The purpose of this group is to stay in contact about my (Jan Viren) recent kidney transplant. My sister, Christy, was my living donor. What an amazing gift of life!

I had the transplant on Monday, March 5, 2007, at Methodist Hospital (Mayo Clinic) in Rochester, MN.

Kidney transplantation has been a 34-year journey for me. I first got kidney disease when I was 15 years old. The initial symptom was edema (swelling from fluid) and protein in my urine. The doctors feel I got the disease from undiagnosed strep, but we can't be sure about that. I was first told I would need a transplant over 20 years ago, and Christy volunteered to be my donor way back then. Bud has only known me with kidney disease, and he has been here for me "through thick and thin - and mostly thin" (a joke!).

My disease (anyway what the doctors believe it to be) is called FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerularsclerosis). It has recurred in the transplanted kidney twice since the transplant. Both times I was successfully treated with Rituxan. I may have to have further treatments every few years, but it is worth it to preserve my health and my sister's gift of life!

I have written a book on my life with kidney disease...but am having to update it as I write this! When it is printed, I will let you know. I would like to be able to fund a child’s kidney transplant in Nepal from the proceeds. Our ministry: http://www.equipnepal.org

Thank you so much for your prayers during this time!

Jan (the big sister in the dress) and Bud and Matt Viren
Christy (in the sun suit) and Steve and Mia and Berit Lindell
and our families and friends