A second chance at life started with an unexpected gift

Shannon Merrill has always taken pride in keeping his garage neat and organized. But for more than a year, floor-to-ceiling stacks of empty boxes from his at-home peritoneal dialysis treatments lined the space. The cardboard towers created maze-like walls and served as a constant reminder of his battle with kidney disease.

Years earlier, Shannon was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a hereditary chronic kidney condition that occurs when immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies build up in the kidneys' filtering units and gradually cause damage over time.

The first signs that something was wrong came when Shannon's wife, Dani Merrill, noticed he wasn't looking well. By the time he saw a doctor, his condition had already progressed to Stage 4 chronic kidney disease. His kidneys were functioning at only about 20%.

"I've always been the type of person who believes ignorance is bliss," Shannon said. "When I was first diagnosed, I thought everything would be OK. I assumed that while I was on dialysis, I'd still feel good, be able to golf and live a normal life. I quickly learned that wasn't the case."

Doctors started Shannon on peritoneal dialysis - a type of therapy where patients connect themselves to a portable dialysis machine at their own home, often overnight. But the treatment quickly became all-consuming. At first, he spent about four hours a day connected to the machine. As his kidney function continued to decline, those hours steadily increased. Eventually, he was spending as much as 18 hours a day on dialysis.

The treatment took a significant toll on his quality of life. Because the fluid used during dialysis left him feeling constantly full, he often managed only one meal a day. Sleep became difficult and his persistent fatigue made even everyday activities a challenge.

"It became so overwhelming that I had a panic attack one day," Shannon recalled. "I looked at the clock and realized I still had four more hours of dialysis left. I didn't want to do it anymore. I was exhausted and ready to give up."

Finding a match

When Shannon was first diagnosed, he and Dani did everything possible to slow the progression of his disease. They carefully monitored his diet, made lifestyle changes and committed to keeping him healthy for as long as possible. But once dialysis became necessary, they knew a kidney transplant would offer the best chance for a healthier future. They turned to the UC Davis Health Transplant Center to explore their options and begin the evaluation process.

At the time, Shannon was among more than 20,000 Californians waiting for an organ transplant.

"I was watching my husband wither away in front of me," Dani said. "The man who used to golf for hours, climb rocks and lift heavy things couldn't do any of that anymore. I was certain I was going to lose him, but I knew I couldn't let that happen."

Dani offered to donate her own kidney.

Living donation is a type of kidney transplant in which a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to a patient with kidney failure. Although about half of the kidneys used for transplants come from deceased donors, the number of available organs is not enough to meet the needs of everyone waiting for a transplant. Living donation thus provides an important option to transplant.

"For many patients, living donor kidney transplantation offers a faster path to transplant and better long-term outcomes than remaining on dialysis while waiting for a deceased donor kidney," explained Felipe Lee, a living kidney donor coordinator at the UC Davis Transplant Center. "At UC Davis Health, we're committed to caring for our living donors before, during and after donation, providing support from evaluation through surgery and years of follow-up to help them live healthy, active lives with one kidney."

The UC Davis Health transplant team conducted a thorough medical evaluation to determine that Dani was a suitable donor candidate.

"It brought me to tears when I learned I was a match and could donate to him," Dani said.

Saving a life

On the day of the transplant, Dani had one request before surgery: she wanted to see Shannon. Their anesthesiologist arranged for the couple to spend a few quiet moments together before they were taken into separate operating rooms. Dani reassured her husband that they would get through the experience side by side.

After the surgery, despite her own discomfort, Dani was eager to check on Shannon. She asked the nursing staff to wheel her to his room. She saw him smile and give a thumbs-up, which reassured her that everything had been worth it.

"I noticed a difference in Shannon right away in the hospital," Dani said. "He hadn't been feeling well for years, so finally having a healthy, functioning kidney made him feel so much better. The color was back in his face and he was smiling again."

The improvement continued over several months. Ninety days after the transplant, Shannon celebrated by hitting his first bucket of golf balls, a simple activity that once seemed out of reach.

Today, he looks forward to embracing life with renewed energy and purpose - including keeping a tidy garage. But, most of all, he remains deeply grateful to the woman who gave him a second chance.

"It broke my heart to see the sacrifice she made for me," Shannon said. "What she went through to give me a second chance at life was incredible. She's more than just my wife now. It's impossible to describe the love you feel for someone who has done something so selfless for you."

For Dani, however, the reward is simple: knowing that Shannon can now look forward to a long, healthy future by her side.

"I'm grateful that I was able to be the one to give him that second chance," Dani said. "You're saving a life, and not everyone gets the opportunity to do that."

How UC Davis is changing lives through transplant care

Inspired by Shannon and Dani's story? Discover how the UC Davis Transplant Center is transforming lives through innovative care, compassionate support and world-class expertise.

Whether you're considering organ donation, exploring transplant options, or simply want to understand more, visit the UC Davis Transplant Center's website to learn how to take the next step.