Derrick, kidney recipient

Thanks to a kidney transplant, Derrick is up and moving again, happily resuming the life of a 39-year-old family man-father of two children and husband to his wife Priscilla of 14 years. He knows that time with his family is precious, having personally experienced grief from an unnecessary loss. His mother died of the same kidney disease that he once suffered from. But Derrick and his family do not dwell on the loss. Instead, they cherish the fact that Derrick is still with them. "I want to make my dad proud," says his 12-year-old son D.J.

Life Center Northwest encourages people to consider becoming a donor. Code your driver's license as donor; carry a donor card in your wallet; and, most importantly, share your decision with your family.