My Sister Gave Me a Second Chance: Roy Arnold’s Kidney Transplant Story
On February 4, 1992, my life changed forever. On that day, I received a kidney from my sister, Arlene.
I had polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and I had gotten pretty sick. My mom called to tell her and my sister made up her mind right then: she was going to give me her kidney if she was a match. I tried to talk her out of it because I didn’t want her to have any health issues because of me, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
The transplant surgery itself was hardly even noticeable. I was up and walking within a few days. First they removed one of my kidneys, then six weeks later they did the transplant, then after another six weeks they removed my other native kidney, which they had left in because it was still working at 5%. Eventually it was going to fail, so we decided to take it out. It was just too much discomfort for me.
I remember they isolated me for 30 days—I couldn’t see anybody. They kept me in a hotel room just for transplant patients in Lubbock, Texas. It’s different these days—my daughter and son both had kidney transplants and they were out of isolation pretty quick. They also have different medications than I did.
I was out of work for a couple months. I had already used all my sick leave and vacation time, so all the other employees donated their vacation and sick time to me, and even bought me groceries, which was awesome. It was three to four months before I was back on the job again and doing OK. I haven’t had any problems since.
That one gift gave me more than just more time—it gave me more life. More birthdays. More memories with my family. More chances to serve God and live well.
Roy Arnold
Thirty-four years later, I am still in awe of God’s goodness and my sister’s selfless love. By God’s grace, we’re both still doing well.
That one gift gave me more than just more time—it gave me more life. More birthdays. More memories with my family. More chances to serve God and live well. The road hasn’t always been easy, but it has been full.
Kidney disease has touched my family deeply. Three of my five children were also diagnosed with PKD and received kidney transplants, and the other two don’t seem to have it. We lost our dear son, Brad. But we continue to hope.
My daughter, Shyanne, and my son, Steven, are both doing well with their transplants, and I pray they will be granted the same long, fulfilling life I have been blessed with.
Arlene, I am eternally grateful to you. Your gift is the reason I’m still here to tell this story. I believe God has a special place in Heaven for you.
To anyone reading this who is waiting, worried, or weary: don’t lose hope. God is with you, and there are people like my sister who say “yes” to giving life. I thank my Lord and Savior every day for the gift of life—and for the people He puts in our path to carry it forward.
About the Author
Roy Arnold was born in Clovis, New Mexico. He drove Greyhound buses for 37 years and retired in 2013. He is married to his sweet wife, Paulette, who is his rock. They don’t have kids at home anymore, but their house is full, with four dogs and four cats who are their babies.
Roy is a Christian who thanks his Lord and Savior every day for the life he’s been given. These days, he is living out his life serving the Lord. He is also a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan!
