You give your family members love, support, and encouragement. Even money sometimes. But would you be willing to give them a bodily organ?

One sister is ready to do just that. Keisha Syms, 27, will soon donate one of her kidneys to her brother Nicholas Powery, 18. Nicholas was recently diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and desperately needed a transplant. With more than 75% of renal failure caused by diabetes complications, organ donation is an area we could all use more education in.

Keisha agrees: "I think there is a real lack of awareness and knowledge about kidney transplants... There was a lot of testing done to make sure that my other kidney would have enough function left to carry me through the rest of my life. They are not going to subject a person if they don't have that. I think we need to educate the community about being a donor. Because if you can help someone - why not do it?"

Doctors feel that Nicolas's--and other patients'--chances of recovery after receiving a kidney from a living donor are excellent. Shockingly, 50% of people who are told they will need dialysis or a transplant--unfortunately common among diabetics--never come back for treatment. Whether this is from fear or disbelief, doctors and patients hope this will change with further education.

"I was in shock and I was ready to die, but I had to get a grip and be supportive," said Ms. Powery.

"It is important to accept it because it is part of being a patient. You need to stick with your appointments and get your blood work done. It is stupid to run away."

(Photo: Cayman Net News)