Earl Buffington leads an active life. He enjoys a number of outdoor activities including golf and cross-country skiing. He is an avid traveler. He also takes lessons in woodcarving, pyrography (creating art by fire) and computer skills.

As a transplant recipient since 1998, Earl also appreciates the opportunity to learn by participating and sharing his experiences with others. He does this on a regular basis by serving as the vice president and treasurer of AAKP's Wisconsin Badger Chapter.

In 1994, Earl had been preparing to undergo surgery for prostate cancer. Based on a pre-surgery test, Earl's doctors felt that his kidneys could not handle the operation. It was decided that radiation would be the proper response.

Earl's doctor subsequently continued to monitor his creatinine count and a fistula was surgically placed as a precaution in 1997.

Over the next couple of months, Earl began to notice that he was lacking energy and not feeling like himself.

"I was feeling extremely exhausted and could barely walk to the mailbox. The doctor admitted me to the hospital and discovered that the kidneys were barely functioning," Earl said.

Earl was told he would have to begin dialysis in the hospital. His treatment schedule was Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. After his treatments, he would go home, make breakfast and rest until about 1:00 p.m.

Earl decided he would continue with dialysis because he was concerned about asking one of his family members to undergo an operation in order to donate a kidney. Later, he attended his cousin's ordination into the priesthood and met a priest who encouraged him to apply for the kidney waiting list.

After attending a two-day seminar about dialysis treatments and transplantation, he decided to take the necessary tests to learn if he would qualify for the program. Meanwhile, he continued to live his life as usual.

"I went skiing in Alta, Utah. This was the first time I had to make arrangements for dialysis away from home. I got a ride to the hospital in the mornings, then had my treatment and took a cab back to the motel after dialysis. On the days without dialysis, I skied with the others," Earl said.

Earl was accepted into the transplant program in late April of 1998. Two weeks later, he received word that a kidney match had been found.

"On May 14, 1998, while I was sitting on the bed getting ready for golf, I received the call that a kidney was available. It was a long day as my family and I waited for the test results that the kidney was a perfect match and the surgery was performed," Earl said.

He thinks about the donor and the donor's family every day and sends cards during the holidays as a way to show his appreciation and to say thanks.

A few weeks after the transplant, Earl was able to resume his active lifestyle and was back on the golf course.

Earl also enjoys continuing his education and talking with fellow patients to share his experiences and learn about theirs. He attended the AAKP Annual Convention in 2000 and enjoyed the educational sessions and the evening festivities.

He also hopes to attend this year's Convention in Orlando. He knows it will provide an opportunity to inspire and encourage others.

Earl Buffington lives in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. He is Vice President and Treasurer of AAKP's Wisconsin Badger Chapter.

This article originally appeared in the July 2002 issue of aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 18, No. 1.

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