A NEWSLETTER OF GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE
FALL WINTER 2018-2019
gift of life GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE A HOME THAT HELPS AND HEALS
SAYING GOODBYE TO ‘WORLD CLASS’ KIDNEYS The increase in size and
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s a young man, Gene Okun had watched his father’s health slowly deteriorate while on dialysis to treat his Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). So when Gene was diagnosed with the same disease he was determined to find another solution. Gene and his sister, Tina, began doing research that took them from Florida to California to Maryland and eventually to Rochester, Minnesota. A PKD Conference in Orlando introduced them to the prevention, slow down, and transplantation process for people with PKD. While Gene and Tina’s knowledge about Polycystic Kidney Disease was expanding, so were his kidneys.
other complications of PKD challenged the normalcy of his independence. Gene was a professional body builder and passionate about exercise, but found the symptoms and increased size of his kidneys prevented his normal routines. In addition, the rigors of running a renewable energy company greatly impacted his effectiveness and functionality at the company. Gene and Tina’s continued research convinced him that his best option would be a kidney transplant although he knew that his greatest challenge would be finding a qualified living donor. Gene Okun continued exploring hospitals and