Our Story
On January 21, 2014 Doug was told his kidney function had declined to 18% due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), that it was time to be assessed for a kidney transplant and that dialysis would be in his future if a living donor was not found. After testing, Doug was placed on the list at Barnes-Jewish Transplant Center. The list is a 2-5 year wait for a deceased donor. Numerous individuals came forward to be tested. The process for potential donors takes time as the transplant center makes sure that these individuals are in perfect health. These individuals have taken many many hours out of their personal lives to be poked and prodded with needles, pee in hundreds of cups, have numerous scans done on their lungs, heart and kidneys...all to possibly save another persons life. Luckily, a match was found and we are able to proceed with a living donor transplant.
On March 24th, Doug will be receiving a life-saving kidney transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital from Doug's friend, Dan Vaughn. Some of you may know him but if you don't here is a little bit about him. Dan and Doug became friends about 6 years ago during a golf tournament and they had an instant connection. The Olroyd and Vaughn families became fast friends. Whether they were going on trips to the lake or just hanging out together it was always a good time, the two became like family. Dan has a wonderful wife, Allison and three adorable children, Quinten (5), Lofton (2 and a half) and Palmer (4 months). Dan always said from the very beginning after learning Doug had a kidney disease, 'Buddy when you need a kidney you can have mine!' Never did they think the match would come true. He is an amazing individual who will selflessly give Doug the most beautiful gift...a new kidney to save him from living on dialysis and most importantly his life. Now that is powerful!