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2015 WALKER

 FRANCES GRIFFITH

Kidney Donor
Age 54 ~ West Fork, AR
Civil Engineer

Sponsored by Webco Mining, Inc.


In 2011, Civil Engineer Frances Griffith received an email from her longtime friend and colleague Linda Weaver that she was being placed on the transplant waiting list. "After visiting with the transplant coordinator at Baptist Hospital, I went home that evening and told my husband that I knew I was the one", Frances said. The transplant was made successfully on August 9, 2011, when Frances was 51. Today she and Linda spend as much time together as possible, and Frances serves on the Arkansas Donor Family Council. "The joy I get in seeing Linda be able to live a more healthy life, free from dialysis, has made it all worthwhile," Frances explained, "and the donation experience has enriched my life beyond words."


Frances's Story

Frances Griffith spends her days working as a civil engineer with the University of Arkansas. She also proved a good friend to colleague Linda Weaver. When Frances discovered Linda needed a kidney, there was never any question in her mind about getting tested to see if she would qualify to be Linda's donor.

"For me, it was a chance to really live the values that I had been brought up to believe in," said Frances. "When I spoke with my family about the opportunity that I was being given, they understood and were supportive. Linda and I have always believed it was fate that brought us together."

Their surgeries took place on August 9, 2011, when Linda was 54. Life quickly returned to normal, and Frances' remaining kidney has grown to do the work of two. She and Linda spend time together as often as possible so that Frances can "keep an eye on my 'other' kidney," she teases.

Frances and Linda participated in the 2012 and 2014 Transplant Games of America and helped decorate the 2014 Donate Life Float. "What great experiences," Frances recalled. "I enjoy getting to meet other families who have experienced organ donation. It is also a joy to also meet organ recipients, who are so grateful to have received the gift of life and are enjoying renewed health."

Frances now serves on the board of the Arkansas Donor Family Council. "This is really a group of remarkable people who are truly dedicated to helping save lives through donation," Frances confirmed. The Council holds events to support grieving families and also works to help families attend the Transplant Games and the Donate Life Float.

"Being a living donor has changed my life," Frances explained, "It has helped me realize to live each day to the fullest and to be thankful for each day. Donor family members and organ recipients are now among the people that I consider my friends and I am thankful for this. As a living donor, I get to witness through Linda, just what organ donation is all about."

The two will be together on New Year's Day, with Frances walking the five-mile route as Linda rides and waves proudly from the float .