Save Alan Smith

06/29/2020

We are so incredibly humbled by the generosity of Brian Sims and the gift of time he donated to Alan. Thank you doesn’t begin to describe the gift you have given him and his family, who are now your family. Thank you!

GIFT OF TIME: On Christmas Day, last December, I wasn’t able to go see my parents or visit with biological family, and I received a really special invite here in Philly.

I’d spent months getting tested, and retested to secretly give a neighbor, Alan my kidney before the holiday but it turned out a December surgery just wasn’t in the cards. Instead, he and his partner invited me to spend time with them and their family for Christmas Dinner!

He was sick for sure, his daily allotment of pills normally taking up an entire sideboard had been moved methodically to a lower shelf to make room for candles and Christmasy baked goodness.

Just as we were wrapping up dinner, his husband asked me to hand them a beautifully wrapped box under the tree behind me. I reached to pass it along but they told me it was for me to unwrap.

I’m pretty sure we all cried as I read the inscription aloud: “Brian, Thank you for your Gift of Time. Alan”

It’s been the toughest of years for Alan, his husband John, and their family. I’m so proud to be a part of that family now and I hope that time also gives them the gift of healing.

04/15/2020

Alan just spoke to his donor and on a separate call his mother. Both are doing great. In fact, Alan has gone from 19 medications down to 10; and we only have to check in once a month with clinic for the rest of the year. Truly grateful.

02/24/2020

What a great story and NHL debut for Kidney Transplant Survivor David Ayres! Congratulations on your win last night and for donating the proceeds for the sale of your Jersey to the National Kidney Foundation!

David Ayres, an emergency goaltender in Toronto, got the call when Carolina’s starter and backup both went down with injuries.

01/21/2020

Never too late for some ! Alan is home, recovering from a successful kidney transplant!

01/16/2020

This is what “grateful” looks like!

01/16/2020

Several people have asked me why I have not posted any updates on Alan’s kidney transplant surgery; and should there be concern.
I apologize for any delay but we have unintentionally let social media be a lesser priority.
The transplant procedure went remarkably well, better than anyone could have hoped for, or expected. While we are not yet out of the woods with regard to any possible rejection; the kidney is performing extremely well; and both patients are recovering from the residual effects of such major and invasive surgery.
Most of you know that we are no longer religious persons; this has been an extremely spiritual life event for all involved.
We will always be grateful to Alan’s living donor and his (our new) family for saving and prolonging Alan’s life for many years to come.
It’s a bit of a whirlwind around here right now; but I will try to keep all updated on the daily progresses being made by our two hero’s.
For those of you who prayed, those prayers have been heard and positively answered. For those who send “good vibes”, we felt every one. So comforting and warm as they were.
Thank you to all for everything, especially your continued love and support.
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