Melanie Hartman: Kidney Recipient Advocates for Organ Donation on Two Wheels

Melanie Hartman’s journey began when she was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, a kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) lodges in your kidneys. “I first learned that my kidneys were not working properly during routine lab work when I was pregnant in 2003,” says Hartman. “We knew that the long-term treatment would be a kidney transplant. In the meantime, I had to start on dialysis in June of 2003, and delivered my son Tate a week later.”

“In March of 2004, I was accepted to the transplant waiting list. At that point, my family started blood and lab tests to see if they were a match. Out of my family members, my brother Randy was a perfect match. In late August of 2004, Randy passed the pre-transplant work-up tests. I received my transplant at Baylor Scott & White All-Saints in Fort Worth on September 23, 2004!” emphasizes Hartman. “My transplant has had such an amazing impact on my life. I’ve been able to live a rather normal life. I can be an active mom, sister, wife, and friend. I was able to finish college, help my husband with his ranching operation, and compete in some ultra trail runs (50K).”

Hartman also has participated in some really awesome events like the Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour (LSCOL) and Transplant Games of America (TGA). “The LSCOL tour team is composed of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and advocates,” shares Hartman. “We cycle throughout Texas to help spread the impact that organ, blood, marrow, and tissue donation has on so many Texans. At the TGA, organ donors and transplant recipients from all over the United States compete in multiple sporting events.”

“Organ and tissue donation are truly life-changing,” adds Hartman. “As a recipient, I do not take one single day for granted, and I strive to honor my brother and our family. If you get a chance to hug a donor family’s neck, please do so. People are always watching; we have the potential to inspire new transplant recipients to thrive. Find a community that pushes you and stands by you when days are tough or challenging. Your village will help you so much.”

“You must be your own advocate and never give up. Live like you mean it!”