Never Taken for Granted

Kidney transplant patient attends Honor Walk, comforts family

November is a special month for Nancy Banks, and not just because of Thanksgiving. On Nov. 14, 2014, she received a life-saving kidney at Trinity Health Grand Rapids Kidney Transplant Center.

Nancy’s kidneys were failing due to a rare medical condition that makes it difficult for her body to absorb nutrients, and it affects many parts of the body. In the case of her kidneys, over time they became filled with stones. Like so many others, Nancy waited on dialysis for five years until a kidney became available.

Her new kidney from an anonymous deceased donor was a lifesaver for Nancy, who has continued to show her gratitude in many ways. She used to volunteer for Gift of Life, and now she co-manages a Facebook page for kidney transplant and dialysis patients in West Michigan with another kidney recipient. She also volunteers to have conversations with patients about the transplant experience. 
 

Due to her rare condition, Nancy gets infusions twice a week at Trinity Health Infusion Services Grand Rapids Campus to provide supplemental nutrition. She spends a lot of time at the hospital.

While being disconnected from her IV in the Infusion Center in early October, she heard an announcement on the loudspeaker that she had never heard before: “We are having an Honor Walk in Hauenstein at 3 p.m. Everyone is invited.” 

For 10 years, she had wanted to attend an Honor Walk, and finally the opportunity presented itself! 

“I raced over there. I’ve seen Honor Walks online, but I’ve never experienced one in person,” Nancy said. 

During an Honor Walk, doctors, nurses, and anyone who works at the hospital will stand in line in the hallways leading from a deceased patient’s room to the operating room (OR). Medical staff wheel the patient, who is lying in a hospital bed and connected to equipment, to the OR. Family members walk behind the patient. 

“When you get a kidney from a deceased donor, it’s a hard because you know your joy is someone else’s pain,” Nancy shared. “Being a donor is such a selfless act.” 

Nancy said, “As soon as the deceased patient went by and people were dispersed, I made a beeline to the family.

“I introduced myself and said I wanted to give them a hug because I had received a kidney from a deceased donor, and I appreciated what their family member was doing. I just wanted them to know how thankful we kidney patients are … and that we don’t take our gift for granted,” Nancy said. 

“The Honor Walk has stayed with me. When I think about it, I still get tears in my eyes. It was so moving. This Thanksgiving, I will give thanks and praise to the Lord for the many blessings I have received, and for giving me the gift of attending an Honor Walk.” 

To join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry and receive a heart sticker signifying you are an organ donor on your license (www.golm.org/register).