Judson Lynch’s Hair Stylist Saves His Life

President’s note: Jud Lynch has been a friend, supporter, and former trustee of Saint Mary’s Foundation for many years. As we celebrate 50 years of the Kidney Transplant Program, we asked Jud, a kidney recipient, for an update on his story.

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that was affecting my kidneys in my early 20’s. As I grew older, my kidney function began to deteriorate, causing the problems that are common with such. My quality of life was declining, prohibiting me from enjoying many of the activities I once took for granted, eventually leading to dialysis.

My transplant took place seven years ago. I and my donor are doing well. From the moment I awoke from the surgery and saw that my new kidney was performing as it was expected, I started to feel the benefits of the toxins being flushed from my body.

The story of my living donor, Becky Richard, has been told often post-transplant. Becky was and still is my hair stylist and has a strong client base at the salon where she works, including my wife, Lynn. Her altruism and compassion are truly unique, offering her kidney as she did when she heard of my impending need. Becky, her husband, and their beautiful children have become a part of the Lynch family. My granddaughters call her Auntie Becky. We are all so fortunate to have the Richard family in our lives.

Fortunately, I was only on dialysis for a short period before my living donor’s tests were completed. They matched my levels almost as a sibling. After the recovery from surgery, I was able to do all the activities I enjoyed — tennis, golf, travel, volunteer work, etc. — once again. It had been so long since I had felt normal that I almost forgot what that meant.

To say that my life had changed is an understatement. I continue to exhibit normal blood test levels, something that had not happened for many years prior to the transplant. This procedure indeed changed my life! I truly feel that I got a second chance to experience life. I’m thankful for every day, and happy to be alive. I try not to let a single day go to waste.

According to the great transplant team at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, I am optimistic that Becky’s kidney will remain healthy and strong for many more years. She is my Angel!

Learn more about Saint Mary's Foundation.

Learn more about Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center.