Manitoba man says long-lost childhood friend’s kidney donation saved him years of dialysis
Daryl Schroeder was overwhelmed with gratitude as he lay on the operating table, about to receive a donated kidney that would change his life. It was a moment he had been waiting for, but didn’t allow himself to fully celebrate until that very moment.
Diagnosed with polycystic kidney failure 3½ years ago, Schroeder’s family members tried to donate their kidneys but were unable to due to the rigorous screening process for organ donors. It was an old friend, Tim Froese, who stepped up to offer his kidney. The two had lost touch after high school but reconnected on Facebook after Schroeder’s diagnosis. After finding out they were a match, the testing process took about a year and a half, revealing they both had type O blood.
Froese felt that everything was aligning for him to donate his kidney to Schroeder. He believed it was his destiny to help his old friend in need. The transplant was a success, and Schroeder immediately felt the difference. He described feeling 150% better than he had in the past three years, grateful to Froese for saving him from a life on dialysis.
The friends hope their story will inspire others to consider kidney donation. Ashley Tobin, from the Manitoba Kidney Foundation, emphasized the need for more donors, as living with kidney disease can bring a significant financial burden. She reassured that donating a kidney is safer than people often realize, as many individuals can live a fully functioning life with just one kidney.
With dialysis behind him, Schroeder looks forward to a future road trip with Froese, something he couldn’t do while receiving treatment. The two friends are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead now that Schroeder has a new lease on life.
Their heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and the impact one selfless act can have on someone’s life. It also sheds light on the importance of organ donation and the life-changing benefits it can bring to those in need.
