Brance Modin

Brance Modin first learned of a problem with his kidneys when he offered to have his blood tested by a new chemistry analyzer at the hospital where he worked.

As a general surgeon, Brance had often been in the position of delivering life-changing news to patients. But he experienced shocked denial when a local specialist diagnosed him with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that could cause him to lose kidney function within five years.

His doctor also told Brance that he might not be a candidate for kidney transplant, and recommended that he go to Mayo Clinic.

"I've referred patients to Mayo," says Brance. "My father had surgery there. I've always thought the care was excellent."

After consulting with his Mayo Clinic doctors, Brance got the green light for a transplant, and worked to improve his health.

"I made major changes so I would be as healthy as possible when the time came," he says. That meant a healthy, low-fat diet and regular exercise, including running, biking and cross-country skiing.

In the meantime, many of Brance's family and friends offered to be tested to see if they could be donors; his wife, Kathy, led the charge.

"We read that you don't have to be a blood relative to donate a kidney," says Kathy. "And if I can live with just one kidney and share one with someone in need, I can make that small sacrifice — especially for someone I love."

Kathy was declared a compatible match and the couple underwent a successful living donor transplant at Mayo Clinic. Citing the "wonderful care and compassion" of their transplant team, Brance and Kathy were soon back home. And within six weeks of his transplant, Brance was performing surgery again.

"The joy of living each day has been worth the journey," says Brance. "The transplant was a miracle that changed my life.