Story of Oji Ogbonnaya

I remember being alive but not knowing how long I had to live or if I’d ever be able to get back to a normal life. I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis in June 2014 and had spent almost four years on hemodialysis and fighting for my life. Dialysis was a harrowing experience.
It drained me physically, mentally and financially. I needed a kidney transplant in order to survive. The 8th of December 2017 will remain memorable. That day, my uncle Joseph gave me a second chance at life. He donated his kidney to me and afforded me the opportunity to start living again. Thinking back to the days when I was pre-transplant as an incredibly ill young man, I just couldn’t dream or have any goals. I could only focus on each day, with one hope – to live to see the next day. Now, I am a strong and healthy 38 year old man, full of dreams and goals. I’m in awe of how my body has bounced back already.
I am not only surviving post-transplant, but I am thriving. This ultimate gift means everything to me. I intend to live the rest of my life passionately. I will strive to make my donor proud and set the best example I can for others. I hope to inspire others to give someone else a second chance at life, as I was so fortunate to receive.