Milwaukee Radio Host's Kidney Will Go To Someone In Need

WAUKESHA, WI—A single kidney bean in a box was given as a Christmas present to a Waukesha woman's mother-in-law. Nearby, a box of Kleenex was held up in anticipation of happy tears.

Elizabeth Kay, a radio host for 99.1 The Mix, has told listeners about trying to be a kidney donor for her mother-in-law, Camille. (Patch is not using Camille's full name to protect her privacy.) The Waukesha resident has been open about her experience in hopes of inspiring others to consider being a donor.

The bad news is Kay was told she wasn't "medically fit" to be a match for Camille. She told Patch at first she felt crushed and cried. Then hospital staff told Kay about the Paired Kidney Exchange program that will allow both Kay to donate her kidney to someone in need and for her mother-in-law to receive a kidney from a donor that is a match.

"The tests are all done, and we have our answer! I've been given the green light from the transplant team at UW-Health to give my kidney to someone in exchange for my mother in-law to get the 'perfect' kidney through the Paired Kidney Exchange (PKE) program," Kay wrote on her blog.

Paired Kidney Program

While she can't be Camille's donor, Kay was thrilled she would be helping someone else.

"I was told my kidney is a perfect match for someone. Someone is out there praying for a kidney and doesn't have a match. I could provide that for them," Kay said.

Kay was raised by a mother in the medical field and encouraged her kids to be grateful for good health, who said good health is a gift to be shared. The radio host has been outspoken about her struggles with infertility and admitted there have been times when she was angry with her body.

"Maybe this (organ donation) is a way I can give the gift of life and find fulfillment out of that," Kay told Patch.

Another bonus is that Camille will get the best kidney for her. Camille was born with poor kidneys and throughout her life would have routine tests to make sure everything was fine. Two years ago, she was in stage 2 kidney failure.

"The week of Christmas, we found out she was in stage 4 kidney failure," Kay told Patch. Camille's doctors said a transplant would be the best option.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, the Paired Kidney Exchange program works if the recipient from one pair of a donor and recipient combo is compatible with a donor from another pair. The transplant center may arrange for a "swap," with two simultaneous transplants taking place.

This allows two transplant candidates to receive organs and two donors to give organs.

"Now with the program, there is a big pool of people, which means a better match and outcomes," Kay said.

Camille and Elizabeth should both find matches in the next few months. Camille is not currently on dialysis, as she takes very good care of her body.

"She has been able to postpone dialysis because the numbers (kidney function) haven't worsened," Kay said.

On Christmas, Camille opened the box and discovered the kidney bean. She was excited, according to Kay.

"It was a huge release of emotion to know that we have crossed this major hurdle, and it was a Christmas that we will never forget," Kay said.

For more information on the program, visit the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. To hear Kay talk about her story, visit her blog at 99.1 The Mix.