Peggy Mckenzie was not surprised when doctors diagnosed her with polycystic kidney disease at the age of 22. That's because Peggy's mother and aunt both died from the genetic disease that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. The cysts can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys, reducing kidney function and leading to kidney failure.

Initially, Peggy was able to control the disease by exercising, maintaining a healthy diet and controlling her blood pressure. However, after suffering from the disease for nearly 20 years, Peggy's kidneys had sustained serious damage. Doctors removed her polycystic kidneys, and Peggy was put on dialysis for four months.

After being on the waiting list to receive a kidney for only 11 days, Peggy, age 41, was told that a compatible kidney had been found from a cadaveric donor. "I never expected to receive the call so soon after being placed on the waiting list," recalls Peggy. "Everything was happening so quickly. I received the call at 5:30 a.m., and by 11 a.m. I was already at the hospital. It was terrifying and exciting at the same time."

Peggy's kidney transplant was performed at The Christ Hospital on Aug. 27, 1996. Following the surgery, Peggy remained in the hospital for several weeks, where she recovered from rejection and a serious virus.

"I never could have made it through my illness and surgery without the tremendous love, support and encouragement from my husband, Larry," says Peggy. "I am also very thankful to my doctors, nurses and all the hospital staff members who cared for me during my ordeal."

Peggy returned to work part-time as a nuclear medicine technologist at The University Hospital in June 1997. By December of the same year, she was working full time. Today, Peggy enjoys crafts, reading, yoga, gardening and traveling. She also serves as the local coordinator for the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation.

"Being a transplant recipient is truly an amazing gift," says Peggy. "It makes you appreciate life and the people around you so much more.

I am eternally grateful to my donor family. I pray for them every day, and I thank God that I have been lucky enough to receive such a wonderful gift."