By Melissa Connell, DDS

My name is Melissa Connell, and I have three siblings — an older brother, Eric, an older sister, Dora, and a younger brother, Francisco. We're very close in age, with the oldest and youngest being four-and-a-half years apart. We also have two younger half brothers, Tommy and Ryan. I am a 1997 graduate of UIC-COD and a 2005 graduate of the pediatric dentistry residency program at UIC. When I chose to specialize in pediatric dentistry, I knew the following years would be challenging, but I had no idea just how challenging.

I entered the postdoctoral program of pediatric dentistry at UIC in July 2003. In December 2002, my brother Eric became very ill with a virus that attacked his kidneys. He was diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. Based on a history of abnormal blood tests and urinalyses, he was told that because his kidneys were compromised and vulnerable, a virus could shut them down. He was put on dialysis immediately in hopes that his kidneys would jumpstart themselves, but the prognosis was poor.

After four to five months of dialysis with no improvement, it was time to start looking for a donor for Eric. My family discussed who would be the donor. My father and my younger brother, Francisco, about 30 at the time, both wanted to be tested. But both had medical issues that precluded them from being considered. My mother was then tested, and she also had medical issues that did not make her a good candidate.

We had several friends and family members offer to be tested. But since siblings are often the best matches, I offered to be next in line. I flew to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the surgery would take place. I went through a rigorous three-day testing process that included a CAT scan of my kidneys, blood tests, urinalysis, EKG, and interviews with several doctors and advocates. I was in perfect health, and Eric and I matched four out of six antigens. (The only time six out of six antigens match are with identical twins, and even when none of the antigens match, one can still be a donor.) I was an ideal candidate to be the donor.

I asked questions like how will it affect my future health, will I have to make lifestyle changes, and will it affect my fertility or childbearing? All the answers satisfied my concerns.

With answers, I was confident I could be Eric's donor. The surgery took place Dec. 2, 2004. I could tell from the moment I entered the presurgical area that this would be a finely orchestrated process. They had perfected their routine to the point that I felt like I was going in for a simple procedure. My entire surgery was performed endoscopically through my front side, which minimized scars and pain from larger incisions. The left kidney was taken through a five-inch incision just above my pubic bone, and placed through Eric's abdomen, positioned closer to his front side (a normal position for a transplanted kidney). Eric's kidneys were left in place, as is preferred to minimize the surgery and leave the kidneys to perform their functions, even if it is minimal.

The surgery went perfectly. The doctors said the kidney started working and producing urine the moment it was attached. Originally, the doctors said I would be in the hospital three days, and Eric, two weeks. Eric felt such a vast improvement after the surgery that he was running circles in the hospital halls the day of the surgery. Three days post-surgery, I was released in the morning, and Eric felt so good he was released that afternoon! He was truly a new person. He had color in his face, energy, and it was obvious he felt better than he had in years. After two years of dialysis (which is a horrible experience), he was refreshed knowing he didn't have to go through that anymore.

I had a harder time recovering, which is normal for the donor. But after time of healing, I was in great shape. When I think about it, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that we got through it as a family, and that I had the strength and wherewithal to step up to the task. I feel blessed that we were such good matches and that the surgery was a success. Eric celebrated his 40th birthday in January. He looks and feels 28. I like to think my kidney has something to do with that.

I also feel great. I could not have gotten through the experience without the love and support of my family, several girlfriends who came to Arizona to be with me, my boyfriend at the time, Danny Kaplan, the faculty and staff at UIC, and especially Dr. Shar Fadavi, Dr. Larry Salzmann, and Dr. Indru Punwani.

I'm also grateful that Eric and I were in the hands of the highly skilled professionals at the Mayo Clinic. The nurses and staff took amazing care of us. We were lucky to be there.

I'm glad I chose to be a kidney donor. It is my greatest accomplishment thus far. I hope to inspire others to do the same if they're ever faced with the choice. I gave Eric the gift of life, and in return I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment that can't be put into words.

Editor's note: Dr. Melissa Connell was the WDeJ cover highlight for February. Click here to read the article

Melissa Connell, DDS, is a pediatric dentist in Chicago. She was the cover highlight dentist in the February 2009 issue of Woman Dentist eJournal. You may contact her by e-mail at melissaconnell33@gmail.com.