Kidney donation is one of the most profound and life-affirming acts a person can undertake, and one Phi Theta Kappa alum recently stepped up to donate a kidney to her former chapter advisor.
It all began when Carolinas Region advisor Leila Rogers was experiencing kidney failure and posted signs around town asking people to be tested as potential living donors. Friends also shared her request on social media.
Leila is a professor of sociology at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and has served as an advisor of the Alpha Nu Sigma Chapter of PTK since 2011. Her efforts paid off, and she had good news to share recently:
“I am blessed and thankful to share that I received a living donor kidney! My donor was a Horry-Georgetown Technical College graduate, prior Phi Theta Kappa officer of Alpha Nu Sigma chapter, and current PTK alumna Tanya Moser. I am so thankful and appreciate her! I also appreciated everyone who shared my post about getting tested to be a donor and for all who did get tested to donate. I was able to get off dialysis with the kidney donation and am looking forward to enjoying my life again!”
Tanya was awarded the HGTC Service and Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions to the community while at the college. She currently works as a chargeback specialist for Dr. Bronner’s, an organic soap company, and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alumni Association in the Carolinas Region.
“A recent call to action was sent out by one of our own — an advisor, educator, mentor, alumnus, and friend – and the Carolinas Region answered and showed up in record force to find her a perfect kidney match,” said alumni advisor Brandy Steele. “To see that a fellow HGTC and Alpha Omega Alumni member was able to be that perfect match out of hundreds is a testament to the strength and undeniable bond shared between our advisors and the members they influence, and the caring sacrifices we are willing to make for our regional family.”
Mel Pearson, who represents the region on PTK’s Alumni Advisory Board said there have been several events over the years that exemplify the spirit of the Carolinas Region, but this most recent event goes beyond words.
“The bond between an advisor, member and alumni really does extend past meetings and events, especially in the Carolinas Region,” he said. “This shows that PTK is more than just a certificate – we are truly a family, and we are Carolina strong.”
Regional Coordinator Sylvia Hayes said the region prides itself on having chapters that build relationships, making people feel included and part of something special, adding that she also got tested, along with several others in the region.
“These relationships last long beyond our participation in our chapters, as evidenced by Tanya donating her kidney to Lelia,” she said.
Potential kidney donors undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough to donate and that their kidney will be compatible with the recipient, and it turned out that Tanya was a good fit.
The actual kidney donation procedure is relatively minimally invasive, typically done through laparoscopic surgery, where small incisions are made to remove the kidney. The donor is usually able to return home within a few days and resume normal activities after a few weeks. After donation, donors receive regular check-ups to monitor kidney function and overall health. Most people can live a full, healthy life with just one kidney.
Tanya and Leila underwent the procedure at Medical University of South Carolina on October 30, and both are now recovering at home and doing well.
“Leila holds a special place in my heart due to her impact on me as a member of Alpha Nu Sigma — I grew academically, professionally, and personally because of her mentorship,” Tanya said. “When I found out she needed a kidney, God placed it on my heart to see if I was a match and everything fell into place from there. I am honored and blessed to have been able to do this for Leila and plan on using our experience to raise awareness for living organ donation.”
Kidney failure is a growing global health issue. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 37 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease, and millions more are at risk. Every day, approximately 13 people in the U.S. die while waiting for a kidney transplant. The need for kidney donors far exceeds the number of available organs.
Learn more about how to be evaluated as a potential living donor.
