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Second chance at life cause for celebration

Ed McArdle and Carlton and Ruth Wodtke
Ed McArdle (center) with two of his friends from McBrite Manor, Carlton and Ruth Wodtke.

 

For Ed McArdle, 46, of Saginaw Township, every day is a celebration of life. September 26 will mark the 10th anniversary of his kidney transplant.

After a five year wait, McArdle finally received the call he’d been waiting for. At 10:45 p.m., September 25, 2000, the transplant coordinator of the University of Michigan Medical Center informed him not only was there a donor kidney, but that it was an extremely rare perfect match.

McArdle was diagnosed with Diabetes in 1974, then in 1989, began experiencing visual problems. He credits his faith, a modified diet, and the help of Dr.Shokoohi of Great Lakes Eye for the successful healing of his vision. But in 1995, he was shocked to learn of the diagnosis of end-stage renal disease, otherwise known as chronic kidney disease (Stage 5 CKD).

Because of early diagnosis, however, McArdle was able to get on the 3-5 year waiting list for a transplant. “The most difficult part was waiting for the transplant,” McArdle stated. “I was only a week away from dialysis when the call came, after working an eight-hour day.”

And just like that, the next day, on September 26, he was on the road with his mother, Meredith McArdle, to the U. of M. Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

The twist to the news of the transplant was when McArdle learned the donor had been a prison inmate. “I just thought it ironic that I try to be a good person, and the kidney ended up coming from a person who committed a crime,” McArdle said.

As far he is concerned, the person he received the kidney from, and anyone else who donates their organs, are heroes. Unfortunately, because the donor of his kidney was a prison inmate, there is no information about whether the person was male, female, what their name was, or who their family is in order for McArdle to give thanks for saving his life.

Almost immediately after the transplant procedure, McArdle’s health began to improve. He only spent six days in the hospital, and was off work for seven weeks. He also received a pancreas, but due to complications from surgery, the organ didn’t survive. Subsequently, he has to wear an insulin pump 24/7 to control his diabetes. But having the new kidney has definitely made a huge difference in his health.

McArdle will also mark his 17th year in December as Resident Relations Coordinator at The Manors, located on Weineke Rd. in Saginaw Township. He believes it is his experience at The Manors, the friendships with both staff and residents and their positive outlooks on life, combined with his faith in God that has been paramount to lengthening his own life. It is his job to keep the residents happy, and they, in turn, have gifted him with their support and friendship.

“A second chance at life is rare, eye-opening, and something to be embraced,” McArdle said, and wished to also convey his thanks to the U. of M. medical team, and local Saginaw Dr.’s Slavin, Lambert, and Prasad.

According to Gift of Life Michigan Organ Donation Program, about 3,000 people are waiting for a transplant and new hope for life. There’s no age limit for organ donation and many people with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, are still able to donate organs. Even people with HIV and hepatitis can donate to others with the same illnesses.

If you are interested in joining the Donor Registry, visit www.giftoflifemichigan.org, or call 800-482-4881 for more information.


 

 

 

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