Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-Ay, I'm Gonna Get A Ne-ew Kidney Today!

The summer of 1996 was one of the best summers of my life!

I was a trainer at Splash Mountain, in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Would usually work 7ish on the morning to 3ish in the afternoon with one night shift each week to train new Cast Members. With so many evenings free, it gave me some time to hang out with friends and have fun. It was the life.

One friend in particular is Jen Loomis. Jen was also a trainer and part of our tight knit group. Years later I ran into for literally maybe 30 seconds as I was unloading a monorail and she got off. I was in shock. How are you? Where are you now? I loved seeing her but hated it at the same time because I was unable to talk and catch up.

Fast forward to June 30th 2020. We found each other on Facebook and chatted on and off over time. This time was different. We chatted for a bit talking about Disney and such. Then she asked me to call her. I figured it was easier to talk on the phone than typing everything out. Ha ha ha

When I called she said that she saw my posts about needing a kidney and she called the University of Kentucky (UK) Hospital to begin the testing process. She said "I'm a match!" Wait what? You are a match? Really? OMG this is the greatest thing I have ever heard! I didn't know what to say. It was the most self-less act anyone had ever done for me. To give me a second life.

Jen was planning to donate her kidney anonymously until she saw one of my posts needing a kidney.

From that moment on, we exchanged updates. One thing we learned pretty quick was the lack of communication and delays. It was excruciating. Being a recipient there is a ton of responsibility needed and testing and more testing and becoming great friends with a urinal (plastic jug) taking it just about everywhere she went for more...testing. We were both becoming frustrated with the lack of info and process.

Ultimately, UK Hospital determined that Jen was not a 100% match. >sigh<

I will always have a place in my heart for Jen Loomis. Thank you and always sending love!