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2015 RIDER

  LINDA M. WEAVER

Kidney Recipient
Age 57 ~ El Paso, AR
Chief Financial Officer and Bookkeeper

Sponsored by Webco Mining, Inc.



In 1974, at age 17, Linda Weaver was diagnosed with Bartter syndrome, a rare kidney disease. In her early 50s, her creatinine levels started to rise. Linda needed a kidney transplant and was put on the transplant waiting list. In the meantime, she was told to prepare for dialysis, which she did not want to accept. Instead, she emailed her friends stating that if anyone had a kidney to spare, she would gladly accept it. Her good friend, Frances Griffith, was a perfect match. On August 9, 2014, Linda and Frances celebrated the third anniversary of their kidney donation and transplant. Last year, they helped to decorate the 2014 Donate Life Rose Parade float. This year they will be honored on the 2015 Donate Life float as a rider and a walker.


Linda's Story

In 1974, at age 17, Linda Weaver was diagnosed with Bartter syndrome, a rare kidney disease. She was monitored by a nephrologist for many years until her early 50s, when her creatinine levels started to rise. Linda needed a kidney transplant and was put on the transplant waiting list. In the meantime, she was sent to dialysis school to prepare herself in case a kidney did not become available.

After a day at this school, Linda told her husband, Charlie, that she didn't want to go on dialysis. Instead, she emailed her friends telling them her history, that she was now in kidney failure, and that if anyone had a kidney to spare, she would gladly accept it. Her good friend, Frances Griffith, replied to her email and told Linda she felt that she was going to be her donor. Linda replied, "What are the chances of you matching me?" Somehow Frances just knew she was going to be the one - and she was. On August 9, 2014, Linda and Frances celebrated the third anniversary of their kidney donation and transplant.

"Both surgeries went as close to perfect as could be," according to Linda, who feels that God put Frances in her life for a reason and she was so happy He did. Linda, now 57, thanks the Lord every day for her friend, her "Special Angel," who gave her the gift of life and renewed health.

Last year, Linda and Frances helped to decorate the 2014 Donate Life Rose Parade float. It was very uplifting for them to share their story, meet new friends and hear their stories. They are looking forward to participating in the 2015 Rose Parade as a rider and a walker. In addition, Michael Weadock, the husband of one of their good friends, Linda Weadock, will be honored on a floragraph. "It will be the first time that any state has all three - a rider, a walker and a floragraph - in the parade in one year," Linda said.

Linda and Frances serve on the Arkansas Donor Family Council and participate in fundraising, including the Annual ARDFC Golf Tournament in April, as well as the Jeans & Jewels Auction night in October, which helps send donor families, riders, walkers and honors floragraphs to the Rose Parade each year.

"We love being involved in the transplant community," said Linda. "Helping out and giving back is what Donate Life is all about."