A Journey of Living Donation – Joey & Audrey Sughroue
Audrey wasn’t a match for Joey, who needed a kidney due to Alport syndrome, but she still helped save his life.
A Perfect Match Through Paired Exchange
Audrey and Joey’s relationship blossomed even as Joey battled Alport syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. When his condition worsened, Audrey hoped to donate her kidney but wasn’t a direct match.
Through a paired exchange, Audrey gave to another recipient while Joey received a kidney from someone else. Their surgeries took place on the same day, May 2, 2023, marking a life-changing moment for them both.
Embracing Life After Transplant
Throughout this journey, the couple remained committed to living fully. They got engaged, married, bought a home and, most recently, celebrated the arrival of their greatest joy yet, their daughter Mila.
In the months that followed their surgeries, Audrey and Joey embraced the life they had hoped for. They took a long-dreamed-of trip to France, and around the one year anniversary of their transplants, they traveled to Thailand, grateful for the strength and freedom restored through living donation.
Now, Audrey and Joey look forward to a future filled with possibility, good health and new adventures as a family.
Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.
