I Gave a Kidney, They Gave Me Up

Summary

The year my younger brother was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, I didn't hesitate for a second—I gave him one of my kidneys.

As his older sister, it felt like my responsibility to save him.

The surgery was a success. Ryan bounced back, full of life, and became the family's brightest hope.

Meanwhile, my body deteriorated daily due to severe organ rejection.

The costly anti-rejection meds quickly drained our family's savings.

My parents, initially so grateful, began looking at me differently.

"Lily, can't you skip a dose? We're barely making ends meet."