After losing her son, Glenna turned grief into purpose—becoming a living kidney donor to honor his memory and give another family the gift of life.
2024 marked a significant milestone for Glenna—her 10-year anniversary at UC Health. Her journey began as a pharmacy technician at Hoxworth Pharmacy, evolving through various roles until she found her calling on the HIV Specialty Pharmacy team, where she built deep connections with patients, including many transplant recipients.
But this story isn't just about her career; it's about a profound journey of giving back in memory of her son, Grant.
Grant was only 15 when he lost his battle with osteosarcoma in August 2004. Each year since has been a reminder of a vibrant life cut short. As the 20th anniversary of his passing approached, Glenna felt a growing desire to transform her grief into something meaningful, a lasting tribute to Grant.
“I really wanted to do something in honor of my son that would make an impact,” Glenna shared.
For years, the thought of donating a kidney had lingered. As the 20th anniversary loomed, it became a whisper of hope, amplified when she heard a fellow parent at her granddaughter’s cross-country meet share her own experience as a living donor. It was a pivotal moment. "This is it," she thought. "This is how I can honor Grant."
Initially hesitant due to her age and health, Glenna contacted UC Health’s transplant program. To her relief, testing revealed she was healthy enough to proceed. Despite some delays, she was approved, setting the donation date for March 14, 2024.
The day of surgery was filled with emotion but not fear. When her nurse coordinator checked in on her that morning, Glenna felt a profound sense of peace and excitement, knowing she was giving life. “I have never felt so at ease about anything in my life. I cannot wait for this kidney to give life to somebody.”
"With advancements in robotic surgery, enhanced recovery pathways, robust national exchange programs, and strengthened donor protections, the barriers to kidney donation have never been lower,” explains Dr. Alex Chang, UC Health expert transplant surgeon.
The surgery was smooth, her recovery quick. But the uncertainty of her recipient's health lingered. Weeks turned into months without news, but she remained hopeful.
As August approached, Glenna felt an overwhelming need to connect. On the anniversary of Grant’s passing, she longed for reassurance that her gift had made a difference. Despite her transplant social worker’s previous attempts to reach the recipient without success, Glenna decided to try once more.
She contacted the social worker again, hoping for an update. Just as doubt began to settle in, an unexpected email arrived—a letter from her kidney recipient, Ellen.
It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the life-saving gift. Ellen, a vibrant woman from Missouri, was thriving. They quickly formed a friendship, bonding over their shared journey and the remarkable experiences that brought them together.
By honoring Grant, Glenna found a way to keep his memory alive and a path to personal healing. The experience gave her profound peace, knowing she was contributing to a cause deeply important to her. It was more than just a donation; it was a connection to her son’s spirit, channeling her love into a life-saving gift.
With each conversation with Ellen, Glenna feels the ripple effect of her decision. Through this relationship, she continues to celebrate Grant’s legacy, bringing joy and hope to another family.
As Glenna remains involved in her community, sharing Grant’s story and her own experience, she finds joy in educating and inspiring others. Her journey has transformed grief into purpose, showing the world that one person’s loss can lead to another’s renewed life.
Glenna did not just turn grief into a gift of life; she wove her son’s legacy into the fabric of another’s story, creating a connection that transcends loss—a true celebration of love, resilience, and hope.
Glenna learned much throughout this process. She was surprised by how straightforward the procedure was, particularly with advancements like laparoscopic surgery, which minimized recovery. This realization ignited a passion within her to become an advocate for living organ donation, eager to educate others.
"Advancing kidney donation is not only about benefiting the recipient but also about ensuring a positive experience and lifelong impact for the donor. Stories like Glenna’s are part of what makes living kidney donation such a fulfilling part of my practice,” says Dr. Chang.
Consider becoming a living donor: Living organ donation is a powerful way to save lives. It is a gift that offers hope to those in need and a second chance at life. Learn more about the process, the requirements, and how you can make a difference with the UC Health Living Donor Organ Program. Your selfless act can transform lives.
UC Health now offers paid leave for organ donation! All full-time employees who donate an adult kidney or any portion of an adult liver shall receive up to two hundred forty hours of leave with pay during each calendar year to use during those hours when the employee is absent from work due to the employee's donation. Contact HR for more information.
