Ten Years Ago and Today...

As many of you know, on July 29th, 1999, Katie and I were at UCSF Hospital for our very successful transplant surgery. So many of our family and friends had come together to help and support us since Kaitlen got sick and now continue to help us celebrate her good health. Giving Katie one of my kidneys was one of the easiest decisions I've ever had to make and I'm so thankful every day for her health, happiness and to have her in my life.

Here are a few pictures from ten years ago and today...

Katie and I a few days after the surgery.

Katie and I with family and my best friend Reanin.

Reanin and I in my hospital room. Thanks for coming up to stay with me and help take care of me and the family. I'm also wearing my very special necklace that Katie and my mom picked out and had engraved with the transplant date.

A couple family members took a break and went to an Oakland A's game. They put this message on the scoreboard to me from Katie.

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10 years later...Katie, her boyfriend John and our brother Brian came to San Jose to have dinner with Reuben and I and to celebrate our anniversary.

Katie got me an anniversary gift, which is also my first Tiffany's gift! It's another necklace with a bean pendant. The artist who designed it described the bean to mean "the origin of all things." I think that's a perfect meaning for us as well as it looking like a kidney!

Here's a close-up wearing the necklaces. Thanks Katie!

Katie and I with Brian. Thanks Brian for making the trip from Napa to celebrate!

Katie with her boyfriend John. Thanks John for coming up to celebrate!

Reuben, baby and I. :)

25 weeks pregnant...getting bigger!

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A couple days later in Fresno...Denise and I getting ready for the 10 year anniversary party at my parent's house. Thanks to my parents for throwing the party to celebrate and for all the family and friends who helped get ready and clean-up!

The five of us together while my father is making one of his famous speeches. Thanks Dad! :)

My wonderful husband with me and our baby.

Katie and I.

Thanks to my friends who could make it to help us celebrate. Love you guys! Thanks also to Alex, Shanelle and Peyton for coming. I don't think I got a picture with you guys. :(

Denise, Megan and I.

My beautiful sister...love you!