Atlanta – April is National Donation Lifespan Month, and it is time to raise awareness about organ, eye and organizational contributions and honor donors who have given life gifts. This month, when Atlanta's children's medical care raised the flag to honor those lives, they recognized families who were exposed to every stage of organ donation.
It was a gloomy, but special moment when the life flag of donation was raised in Atlanta Children's Healthcare. It reminds us of lives saved thanks to the selfless gift of organ donation.
“It leaves a legacy to their loved ones. There are over 3,000 Georgians waiting for life-saving organs. One donor can save and strengthen 75 lives with donations of organs, eyes and tissues.”
It is a gift that the Schulten family knows very well. They shared their stories at a flag-raising ceremony, detailing their journey with kidney disease and organ donation.
Backstory:
Rob Schulten was first diagnosed with a kidney disease called FSGS 25 years ago after daily testing.
“Therefore, FSGS is a syndrome in which scar tissue forms in the kidneys and the kidney filters stop or clog, so to speak,” he explained.
After living with the illness for 10 years, he eventually needed a kidney transplant.
“I remember when I was sick, I was on dialysis that my sister said.
Rob Schulten received a life-saving organ donation from his sister. (FOX 5)
His sister donated her kidneys and gave Rob the ultimate gift – he continues to appreciate it.
Dive deeper:
Originally, Shultens didn't believe that FSG could be passed on to children, but the health care of children in Atlanta closely monitored and certainly tested Dane and Sydney. Their mom, Serena, remembers receiving the news from the doctor.
“A few days later I got a call from her saying they had the same illness as their father, and she has been with us every step since,” Selina Schulten said.
Rob was able to wait for the transplant until his 30s, but his eldest son, Dane, was needed sooner. That's when Selina became the second donor in the family and gave her a second child's life.
“You've faced obstacles many times in life and you don't have the ability to make a difference. This is amazing how you were able to make a concrete difference here. I was able to put a band-aid on Boo Boo as it is.
Selina and Dane Schulten. (FOX 5)
Rob related to Dane's recovery is in a way that others can hardly do.
“This was a unique situation like I've had, but what I learned is that everyone's experiences are a little different. I had to look at the kids, understand where they were and try to understand what they were going through,” he said.
Selina Schulten said her donations had minimal impact on her life.
“I had a bit of pain as the incision was healed, but that was expected, but on the fourth day I was walking down the street. There were no limits, no complications, no medications,” she said. “Well, it had a bit of a physical effect on me. At first, I have no change in my life. What a gift that can make a difference in someone else's life. I just want to be a role model for the world.”
What you can do:
They say giving and receiving the gift of life has changed them for the better while this is their challenge, and they want to encourage others to do so too.
“Well, my challenge is different from your challenge or someone else's. I don't think anyone will go through this world without a challenge, and by caring for my family and being with us, I am extremely grateful for the healthcare of Atlanta and the children in the doctors and staff,” she said.
Schulten's youngest child is not yet in need of kidney donations, but she couldn't do it in the future.
If you would like to learn more about kidney donations and life links, please see: https://lifelinkfoundation.org/
sauce: Lindsey Tuman of Good Day reported this story from Atlanta.
