After more than two decades of marriage, work, and raising children, Elizabeth and TJ Atkinson found themselves in poor health due to their weight. Elizabeth weighed 248 pounds while TJ weighed 330 and had developed type 2 diabetes. In February 2019, they joined WeightWatchers together and found success in the program by learning to make healthier food choices and connecting with others facing similar struggles. By the end of 2019, Elizabeth had lost 98 pounds, and by the end of 2020, TJ had dropped to 200 pounds.
Just as they were feeling strong and healthy after their weight loss journey, TJ received a devastating diagnosis. Due to his diabetes, he developed stage 4 kidney disease and needed a kidney transplant. He started dialysis immediately and was put on the waiting list for a transplant, which could take up to ten years. The grueling process of dialysis took a toll on TJ, physically and mentally, and he was at risk of dying from kidney failure.
Elizabeth immediately began researching if she could donate her kidney to TJ. She had already lost a significant amount of weight, allowing her to qualify as a donor. Although her blood type wasn’t a match, she connected with a kidney partner swap program where her kidney went to a recipient in Denver, and TJ received a kidney from a donor in Pittsburgh. On October 27, 2022, they underwent four surgeries across the US, and both came out successfully with TJ’s new kidney already functioning before he was stitched up.
The recovery process for both Elizabeth and TJ was challenging but ultimately successful. TJ felt like a new person with his new kidney and saw improvements in his health, while Elizabeth had a more painful recovery but remained optimistic. They both recognize that weight management will be an ongoing process due to the effects of the transplant process, and are focusing on returning to fitness and making time for travel. They recently took their first vacation in years to Disney and are planning a trip to Scotland for their 30th anniversary.
Throughout their health journey, Elizabeth and TJ have faced challenges and setbacks but have persevered with the support of each other and their community. They have shown resilience and determination in improving their health and are now looking forward to a future filled with strength, wellness, and new adventures.
