Through brother’s gift new kidney, renewed life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Croxon
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
3/30/2006 - GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. --  When Bob Valentine awoke after his kidney transplant operation, the first thing on his mind was walking down the hall to visit the recipient of his kidney; his sister. 

However, the hundred feet of hallway that would normally have been no trouble for this 319th Medical Support Squadron commander, winded him so severely, he was barely able to stagger into his sister’s room. 

“My sister’s kidneys had been failing for the past fifteen years to the point where she was so exhausted after basic tasks she was unable to do any of the hobbies she enjoyed,” said Colonel Valentine. “Immediately after the surgery I experienced what she had felt for the past few years. It really opened my eyes to the daily difficulties she faced.” 

When his sister, Patsy Wilcox, called last fall he knew what it was about. 

“When she asked me [if I was willing to donate a kidney] there was never a doubt in my mind,” said Colonel Valentine. “I just asked ‘what do I need to do?’” 

That attitude didn’t surprise his sister. 

“We’ve always been a close family and it seemed like the natural thing to do for both of us,” explained Mrs. Wilcox. 

Soon afterward, Colonel Valentine began the process of testing for organ compatibility, learning about the process and getting Air Force approval. 

“Even though I’m in the Med. Group I never realized how much testing was involved.”
Three weeks to be exact. The process began with a blood test to ensure matching blood types. After this, a battery of additional tests followed, including tissue matching, CT scan and physicals to determine if he was a match. 

“During the process, potential donors go through a counseling session telling them about the risks involved and ensuring that they are prepared,” Colonel Valentine said. “It usually takes place in person and can take up to five hours, but I was so confident it was the right thing to do, they were convinced I was prepared for the surgery within the first hour.” 

The final step in the process was getting approval through the Air Force Surgeon General’s office. According to Colonel Valentine, the Air Force actually encourages kidney donations as long as Airmen are able to return to duty. Being part of the Med. Group helped move the process along since Colonel Valentine was able to get many of the tests and advice from his peers. 

Another benefit from being a part of the Med. Group came in the form of encouragement.
“Everyone has been so supportive, from the commanders to the youngest Airmen here,” he reflected. “The entire wing has been behind me from the start. The enthusiasm expressed by everyone has been more than I could have imagined.” 

Colonel Valentine returned to duty in February and is back to his regular lifestyle. The day of his exhausting walk to his sister’s room was also the first day of a better life for his sister. 

“The day after receiving my kidney I could walk further than I could in years,” said Mrs. Wilcox.  “I can finally do the things I’ve missed. I have 45 rose bushes that have been neglected this past year. I now have the energy to prune, care for and enjoy them -- thanks to my brother’s gift.”