Manny Comstock

Manny Comstock, 48, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in his early 20s. His maternal grandfather had the disease and died from it at 48, his mother had it and passed away after being on dialysis for 15 years. Three of Manny's five siblings also have it. Manny didn't notice symptoms of the disease for more than two decades after diagnosis.

When Manny had a bout of heartburn, his health care team noticed increasing levels of protein in his urine — an indication his kidneys were beginning to fail.

"I was taken aback when a specialist told me my kidneys might have only six months to a year left," says Manny.

That specialist suggested Manny go to Mayo Clinic for help.

"I called Mayo Clinic, and they sent me information about kidney transplant within a day," says Manny. "Their response was phenomenal."

After testing Manny's two siblings who do not have polycystic kidney disease, the Mayo Clinic transplant team determined his sister, Barb Comstock, was a compatible kidney donor. Barb left her job as a whitewater rafting guide in Tennessee to help her younger brother.

On Sept. 15, 2003, seven months after noticing symptoms of polycystic kidney disease, Manny received a kidney from his sister at Mayo Clinic. His kidney function at the time had decreased to only 6 percent.

"My doctors told me the new kidney worked immediately," says Manny. "When they released the clamps on it during surgery, it turned pink and urine began to flow through it."

Manny credits his transplant team at Mayo Clinic with preparing him for what lay ahead.

"They told me every transplant is different and that I would need to be patient," says Manny. "Being prepared for the challenges helped me deal with them. I appreciate the candid, direct approach the transplant team had with me."

Two months after the transplant, Manny was back to work as an account manager for Federal Express in St. Paul, Minn. He will take anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life.

The kidney transplant changed more than just Manny's "plumbing."

"I gained a new sense of urgency with my new lease on life," says Manny. "I want to expand myself."

Manny has returned to college for another degree, this time in psychology. He plans to pursue a master's degree as well and become a counselor when he retires from his current career.

"Knowing I might have spent years on dialysis and never received a transplant, then receiving the transplant, changed my heart," says Manny. "The way I was cared for at Mayo Clinic was remarkable. The transplant nurses work solely with transplant patients, so they anticipate patients' needs. Some of the nurses truly had a unique gift of compassion. One nurse took the time to sit next to me and ask what I was thinking about. Another rubbed my back when I was throwing up and told me I would be all right. Their amazing compassion made me want to help others."

His burden with end-stage renal failure over, Manny is preparing to compete in the national Transplant Games, playing racquetball and basketball.

The father of three and grandfather of one has much to live for and plans to make the most of his time.

"Having the transplant didn't just change my plumbing, it changed my life, it changed my heart," he says.