Running to save lives

It might be cliche to say a son has a lot of his father in him, but to Chris Paxton, that would be one of the world's biggest understatements.

In 1995, Greg Paxton donated a kidney to his son Chris. Paxton's younger son, Josh, is now living because his second kidney transplant –– in 2000 –– was a success.

Now the Paxton family is looking forward to attending the U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburg, Pa. July 11-16 –– an event they have participated in since 2000.

The U.S. Transplant Games are sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation. The mission of the NKF is to demonstrate the success of transplantation, honor those who have given the gift of life and call attention to the need for more organ donors. More than 7,000 organ donors and recipients are expected to be on hand for the event.
Greg said when he gave his son a kidney, he didn't have to make a life or death decision.

"Our decision wasn't hard," he said. "We didn't have to decide to donate the organs of a loved one at the time of a death. To me, the purpose of the games is to show the wonder of transplantation –– that it works."

Chris and Josh Paxton were born with Alport's Syndrome, a type of kidney disease that is genetic –– passed from mother to child.

It wasn't until Chris' fifth birthday when Greg and Sheila Paxton became concerned about his health. Although he had no symptoms, blood cells were detected in a routine urine test at his five-year check-up. Tests were run –– everything except a kidney biopsy.
When their younger son, Josh, turned two, Greg and Sheila noticed his urine was black. After a number of tests, –– including kidney biopsies –– both boys were diagnosed with the disease –– a disease that causes the body to be unable to filter waste out of the blood stream properly.

The Paxtons were told their sons would appear perfectly healthy until they were at least 20-years old.

At the age of 20, they knew Chris needed a transplant. His father stepped up to be tested as a possible kidney donor for his son. As it turned out, Greg was a suitable match and in December 1995, he gave his son a kidney and a second chance at life.
When Greg was only 18-years old, he had his first kidney transplant –– the donor was his maternal aunt. Unfortunately, that transplant failed and Greg and Sheila found themselves again looking for a donor that would save their younger son's life. A friend from the church Josh was attending offered to become his new donor –– was tested and found to be a match. That was in 2000 and the procedure was successful this time.
Greg has been active in the Transplant Games since 2000 when he joined Chris who had previously been a participant –– Josh was in the hospital at the time, recovering from his second transplant.

"I don't participate in any of the events –– I just go to watch and be a cheerleader," Greg said.

Both Greg and Sheila said the opening ceremonies will make you cry every time.

"All the people participating in the events are living donors and donor families," Sheila said. "There are quilts on display honoring loved ones who have passed on. There are inspirational speakers –– many who are well known people in the world."

Each time the Paxtons have attended the games, they say it was like old-home week.
"Donors are wonderful," Greg said. "We seem like one big happy family when we are at the games. Each time we look to see if all of our friends have come back."

The Paxtons agree it is important to talk to family members about organ donation. It is a decision that is better made before an emergency.

"It is senseless to die waiting for an organ," Greg said.

Participants in the U.S. Transplant Games range in age from a four-year old heart transplant patient to an 83-year old golfer.

The Paxtons are members of Team Mo-Kan, which is made up of donors and recipients from western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

For more information about the transplant games, go to www.kidney.org/transplantation/athletics/index.cfm.