By creator to www.firstcoastnews.com
Jean Austin-Danner’s kidneys have been failing. Her youngest son, decided to assist, donated one to her on Thanksgiving 2019.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Giving thanks means one thing particular for a First Coast mom and her son this vacation season.
“It was scary. I bear in mind being scared,” Jean Austin-Danner defined.
Her kidneys have been failing as a result of polycystic kidney illness. The inherited dysfunction causes clusters of cysts to kind on the kidneys. She had been identified practically 30 years in the past, however in November 2019 she was in want.
Her youngest son, Andrew Austin, stepped as much as assist. He was examined to see if he could be a match for a residing donation, at first not telling his mom.
“My mother gave me two kidneys to begin with, so the least I might do is give her one again,” Austin mentioned.
He had no hesitation donating one among his kidneys, however his mom was nervous.
“I didn’t need to take a physique half from him, however I made peace with that,” she mentioned.
The Thanksgiving 2019 surgical procedure was successful. Austin-Danner mentioned medical doctors advised her the kidney took nearly instantly. One yr later, each are reflecting on the surgical procedure and grateful to be collectively.
“The primary yr is the riskiest and I’ve had two biopsies and each present my kidney is doing effectively,” Austin-Danner mentioned.
The pair additionally advocates for organ donation as a result of it could be one other household on one other vacation desk to offer thanks.
“It’ll be enjoyable to [have Thanksgiving] this yr exterior of the hospital,” Austin-Danner mentioned.
