I was diagnosed at the age of 5 as a Juvenile Diabetic and I lived a very sick but happy life. I felt as if my diabetes was a blessing because I came in contact with so many people and as a matter of fact I became an inspiration to many, because I lived my life as if I was the healthiest person on earth. At the age of 36 which was 3 months before my wedding, was diagnosed with kidney failure along with the history of high blood pressure. I began peritoneal dialysis on my 1yr anniversary, and I did treatment for 1 1/2 yrs meanwhile, I began applying for the donor’s list for a transplant at several hospitals all over different states and on Nov. 3, 2012 which was my sister’s birthday, I received a kidney/pancreas transplant from Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been blessed again to share my story with others.

– Atlay Phillips-Nelson