The gift of life: Venetia man surprised when friend arranged to be his living kidney donor

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
Most birthday surprises aren’t life changing for either the giver or the recipient; but some are life-changing for both.
Dave Lenik, owner of Lenik Greenhouse in Venetia, recently received the surprise of his life, literally, from Ross Trax, the greenhouse manager at Trax Farms in Finleyville. The two have been business associates and friends for two decades.
When the two families got together Lenik was floored when Trax said he was going to donate a kidney to him and the surgery was set up for June 19.
“I got some type of a rare kidney disease and slowly but surely over three years, maybe four, that disease scarred my kidneys until they stopped working,” Lenik said. “I do peritoneal dialysis at home. Dialysis takes a toll on your body.”
Lenik said doctors really have no clear idea what caused his kidneys to fail, saying it may have been related to high blood pressure, or possibly not. What was becoming clear was that he needs a transplant to survive. He had discussed it with Trax late last year.
“When I mentioned I was looking for a donor, Ross kind of volunteered, then he got really quiet and I didn’t hear anything from him. I’d never want to pressure anyone into making a decision like that,” Lenik said.
Trax said he discussed the possibility of donating a kidney with his wife, who was supportive.
“I kind of always felt that if I knew someone who needed one, I’d donate if I was a match,” Trax said. “It’s not that often that you can save someone’s life.”
Trax started pre-transplant testing at Allegheny General Hospital in January to make sure he was compatible with Lenik and found out that they are a nearly perfect match.
“I can’t say that God didn’t have a hand in this,” Trax said. “Because my business is so seasonal, I thought I could start with the testing and be done with the surgery by spring. I was naive.”
Trax said Allegheny general hospital has been very accommodating and barring accident or illness for either of them, the transplant surgery has been set for June 19. He broke the news to Lenik this past weekend as an early birthday present.
“He knew nothing about it until I told him,” Trax said.
“I was probably the happiest man in the world,” Lenik said. “Nobody’s more appreciative than me for a chance for a new kidney. He’s my hero. That is a tough decision to make and he’s doing it. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay it.”
Trax said there is minimal risk to the donor, though the recovery can be difficult since it is major surgery. He will be off work at least six weeks, but is hoping he and Lenik will be able to do some hunting together in the fall. Lenik is optimistic he will be able to return to a full life without dialysis in his future.
“The success rate for these transplants is 95%,” Lenik said.

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