The Gift of a Lifetime
/Jimmy Sorenson donated a kidney to his father-in-law, Gary Williams
By Jennifer Jordan
photo by shane darby.
Local paint contractor Gary Williams began the year on a kidney transplant list and ended it with a new kidney, donated by his son-in-law Jimmy Sorenson.
Gary’s journey with kidney disease started with cancer. Seven years ago, he underwent a nephrectomy (kidney removal) and was then to be monitored annually by Dr. Hayden Hemphill. Although Gary no longer suffered from kidney cancer, his kidney was not functioning well. In 2018, he was diagnosed with low stage 3 kidney failure. Gary’s visits with Dr. Hemphill increased in frequency from every six months to every three months, but nevertheless, he progressed to late stage 4 failure. In May of 2021, he was sent to Dallas Methodist Hospital to be evaluated for a kidney transplant.
“It took a year to get on the [national transplant waiting] list, due to his prior cancer,” Gary’s wife, Sarah, said. As he waited to rise to the top of the list (which takes, on average, three to five years), Gary’s kidney function deteriorated to 13%—stage 5 failure.
“My son-in-law is amazing for loving me enough to do this. I will be forever grateful to him for giving me my life back. I could not ask for a more wonderful man for my daughter and grandkids.”
Although many biological relatives were willing to become living donors for Gary, blood-type incompatibility precluded most from being good matches. But Jimmy Sorenson, the husband of Gary’s daughter Jennifer, was type O—the universal donor. A fit person with no family history of cancers or major health issues, he volunteered without hesitation.
“I did not give it much thought,” Jimmy said. “Gary’s a really good guy. I wanted to do it.”
“We didn’t want him to take the risk,” Sarah said. “He takes such good care of our daughter and all their kids. But Jimmy was insistent.”
So, on June 9th, 2024, Jimmy headed to the Liver Institute in Dallas to find out if his kidney was a good match for Gary. They “tested for everything and took 11 tubes of blood,” Jimmy said. He met with the transplant surgeon as well as living donor advocates who thoroughly explained the process. About a week later, Jimmy received the call that his kidney was a match. “It was a good day to find out. That was a good day for us,” he reflected.
Gary Williams and his son-in-law, Jimmy Sorenson. submitted photo.
Jimmy’s surgery was scheduled for December 6th. He arrived at the hospital two days prior to have labs performed again. The 4.5-hour surgery went smoothly, and Gary received the transplant the same day. Jimmy was released on December 8th, and Gary was released soon after. Gary was able to come home sooner than he thought.
“Jimmy’s kidney was an awesome match,” Sarah said. “The doctors are so pleased that Gary is doing well. Jimmy took such good care of his body that he was the ideal donor.”
Today, father-in-law and son-in-law both continue to recover well at home. Most of Jimmy’s post-op restrictions have been lifted, and he is eager to return to the gym.
“I’m going to keep on going as I have been,” he said. “My only hobby is exercise. I can get on the treadmill now, but I’m ready to return to lifting.”
Gary’s kidney function is now above 60%. His recovery includes more restrictions, due to his compromised immune system. He must stay home for three months. Afterward, for the following year, he will need to go to Dallas monthly for a breathing treatment.
Newly invigorated, Gary is doing all he can to stave off cabin fever.
“Weather permitting, I am able to get out and walk around the neighborhood,” he said. “I’m also using a treadmill for now to increase my strength.”
“He has so much energy now,” Sarah added. “He used to sleep a lot. Now he’s an early bird like Jimmy. He’s getting up at 6 a.m.”
Gary thanks God for a new lease on life. “Without [God] I would not be here,” he said. “I also want to thank my wife for being with me every step of the way. I don’t tell her enough that I appreciate all she does. I want to thank the entire staff at Methodist Hospital and also all family and friends who called or sent prayers to bring us both through this. Something like this really shows you you have so many people that truly care.” Indeed, their granddaughter Kenzie has moved back from Florida to help Sarah care for Gary, and to help with their dogs.
The transplant has also helped Gary and Sarah to focus on future plans. “The important thing in life is to spend time with family,” Gary said. “We want to travel to Colorado and other places. We have not been able to go to many places because work always came first. I will continue to be here for our customers, but we have a crew, and my son Greg Williams is taking care of our business well.”
Jimmy was more than proud to be able to give this special gift to Gary. submitted photo.
Gary has immense gratitude for Jimmy. “My son-in-law is amazing for loving me enough to do this,” he said. “I will be forever grateful to him for giving me my life back. I could not ask for a more wonderful man for my daughter and grandkids.”
Sarah echoed her husband. “We love Jimmy more than anything,” she said. “He’s like a son to us, not a son-in-law.”
For Jimmy, the choice was simple. “I am honored and happy to have done this,” he shared. “I have known Gary for 30 years and have been his son-in-law for 22 years. He has a special place in my heart. This was always the plan in God’s eyes. [God] let me live this long to stay with Jennifer and be able to fulfill this purpose to donate my kidney to Gary.”