Published: February 22, 2007 11:41 pm            

Organ transplant gives husband, wife unique bond

Often spouses ask one another, “How much do you love me?” Sounds like a ridiculous question, but when local businessman Robert Luckhard, owner of The Doghouse, was posed this question he answered undeniably, “with everything I have.”

Robert and his wife, Lori, share a unique bond. While many husbands and wives can boast of an unwavering love and commitment, Robert took his to unusual level. He donated a kidney to help his wife fight a rare, life-threatening disease.

Lori was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease when she was 21 years old.

PKD is a genetic disease that is passed along from the father’s side of the family. The 3 types of PKD are Autosomal Dominant PKD, which is the most commonly inherited type, Autosomal Recessive PKD, a more rare inherited type, and Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease, which commonly occurs in the later stages of life and does not stem from Polycystic Kidney disease.

Lori’s grandfather and father both passed away from the disease before they reached their 45th birthdays, but she was fortunate to get her transplant when she was 39. Lori is not the only person in her family that has the disease. Her sister has also been diagnosed, but her brother was not.

But thanks to her husband, Lori is hopeful she will live much longer.

Robert and Lori met when they were out to dinner with their friends. Robert approached Lori, and since then they have been in love.

“I knew she was the one,” said Robert. “And there was absolutely no doubt in my mind when she needed the transplant that I would donate it.”

Lori went in to be screened to see if she qualified for a kidney donation. When the doctors green lighted Lori, Robert immediately stepped up and volunteered to be tested.

“God jumped through hoops to get us together, given the circumstances,” said Lori.

Call it fate, destiny or divine intervention. Robert was a match — not a perfect match, but close enough. After receiving the wonderful news, Lori and Robert waited nearly a year before the transplant took place in May 2005.

“The doctors I was seeing kept telling me to wait, despite having my kidneys functioning at 14 percent.” said Lori. “The support group I joined online was a big help through that time.”

One of the major problems with being diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease is that purchasing life insurance is virtually impossible. Also, many healthcare plans will not cover the cost of the surgery or the medications post-surgery. Fortunately for Lori, Robert’s healthcare coverage picked up the entire $100,000 surgical bill and the over $500 a month in medication.

The problem doesn’t go away after the transplant. Those suffering from PKD are required to take medication for the rest of their lives.

“People need to check on mail order pharmacy,” said Lori. “You can get a 90-day supply for a little cheaper and they deliver to your house. Most companies offer up the program. You just have to ask about it.”

When asked if they encourage individuals to donate, without hesitation they said yes. Despite being cliche, donating your organs is the greatest gift that you can give.

Anyone interested in being an organ donor can log on to www.organdonor.gov. Or the next time you renew your drivers license just mark, “yes, make me a donor,” on your application.

        

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