08/22/2026
8 Years. ❤️🩹🫘
Today marks 8 years since the kidney transplant when I donated my kidney to my brother-in-law, Andy.
We only got to celebrate two transplant anniversaries together before he passed away.
Eight years ago today, I woke up in excruciating pain. Today, I woke up hurting again—only this time, the pain isn’t physical. It’s emotional.
I cry. I grieve. And I miss him.
I grieve because of the tremendous love I have for Andy, my sister Traci, and my nephew Jenson. It’s hard to explain the emotions that come with losing someone you loved so deeply—especially someone who carried a literal piece of you inside of them.
There are still so many whys I don’t have answers for.
Why did we go through all of that?
Why did we only get two more years?
Why couldn’t the story have ended differently?
I may never have all of those answers this side of Heaven.
But there is one thing I know for sure.
During one of the darkest seasons of our lives, God anointed me, blessed me, strengthened me, and used me to be a light for my family. And for that, I will forever be grateful.
If I could go back eight years and make the decision again, knowing everything I know today…
I WOULD STILL SAY YES.
I’d do it all over again.
In fact, there are many days I tell the Lord, “If You would miraculously give me another kidney, I’d give that one away too.” ❤️
Because even through the grief, I still believe giving someone the opportunity for more birthdays, more Christmases, more hugs, more dinners around the table, and more time with the people they love is one of the greatest gifts a person can give.
And today, this anniversary carries an even greater meaning.
Andy’s sister, Regina, is now in need of a kidney transplant.
So on our 8th transplant anniversary, I’m asking you to please join me in praying for Regina. Pray for her health, her strength, her family, her medical team—and pray that God will provide the right kidney or the right donor at the right time. 🙏
And if you—or someone you know—has ever wondered about becoming a living kidney donor, please reach out to me. I would be honored to share my experience, answer questions about what I went through, and simply talk with you about what living donation looks like from someone who has walked that road.
Eight years later, I still have no regrets.
Andy, I wish you were here so we could celebrate #8 together. I miss you more than words can say.
But I will forever be grateful that for a season, a piece of me helped keep a piece of our family here with us a little longer. ❤️
Happy 8th Kidney-versary, Andy.
I would choose you all over again. ❤️
Jenny Mae Fitness
Part 2 of 2 - Andy and Jenny share their post-surgery story of a su...