Tracy Wingo, Transplant Recipient

I want to share my journey with others...

It was discovered by routine lab work in 2016 that I have IGA Nephropathy. The battle to preserve what kidney function I had left began. In the summer of 2019 I was told it was time to be evaluated for a kidney transplant.

I have been an avid runner for many years and after moving to Phoenix I found a running group that I enjoyed spending early mornings running the road and trails with. This was my life…training for marathons, ultramarathons and venturing into the Grand Canyon with my friends. As the news spread that I needed a kidney transplant, one of my friends within the running group came forward without any hesitation and offered to test for me. Incredibly she was a match and we had our surgery March 4, 2020.

Since the transplant we have shared so many new adventures together. We celebrate each kidney anniversary by doing something challenging and rewarding. Our first anniversary we hiked back into the Grand Canyon and had lunch down at Phantom Ranch. Second anniversary we were training for our first half Ironman and so we biked 100K. This year, we decided to run/walk an ultramarathon and complete 34 miles to represent our anniversary date of 3/4. Who knows what we do next year!

I have so much to thank Courtney Bullock for and I continually do! It is with the deepest gratitude and appreciation that I feel for her selfless act of kindness. I want to be the best person I can and share what the gift of life can do for someone. I am currently working with the Transplant Community Alliance hoping to be able to share my journey with others and help others if needed on their journey.