Mitchell residents Dan Backlund, 71, and his nephew Doug Backlund, 41, have strengthened their family bond through a life-saving kidney donation. In April 2024, Doug donated his left kidney to Dan, who was facing imminent dialysis due to declining kidney function. Their experience highlights the profound impact of organ donation on personal relationships.
During a recent meeting of the Mitchell Lions Club, the Backlunds, along with Doug’s wife, McKaylyn, shared their journey of organ donation. The atmosphere was light-hearted, particularly as Dan jokingly expressed his newfound craving for garlic-filled green olives, a treat he had long desired. “You want to give me a Christmas present, give me garlic-filled olives,” he remarked with laughter.
The donation story began years earlier when Dan discovered kidney issues during a high school physical at age 16. Abnormal creatinine levels indicated potential kidney dysfunction. Six years ago, he and his doctor began exploring the possibility of a transplant, and Dan applied to be on the donor list. His health was stable enough to undergo surgery, but the wait felt lengthy.
Doug was aware of his uncle’s situation and felt compelled to help. “He called and said he wanted to talk … I said, ‘Why in the hell would you give me a kidney?’” Dan recalled. Doug’s response was straightforward: “Because you’re my uncle, and you need one.”
The process of becoming a donor involved extensive medical evaluations. Doug participated in video consultations with professionals at the Rochester Mayo Clinic, followed by on-site tests in spring 2023. He learned in September 2023 that he was a suitable match, despite being told that the odds of compatibility were low. “It would be like winning the lottery,” Doug noted, reflecting on the improbability of their match.
Originally scheduled for February 2024, the surgery faced delays due to complications with Dan’s blood work. “It was a roller coaster to be so close to surgery day and have to push it all back,” Doug shared. Nevertheless, both were cleared for surgery in April, and they entered the hospital on the same day, leaving together two days later.
Doug had one request for his donation: to document the process. He wanted to know how the kidney would be transported from one operating room to another. “Are we next to each other, side by side, in beds, or is he in a bedroom down the hall?” he wondered. His curiosity was met with a unique moment, as he received photos of the kidney being carried on a silver platter with ice.
The significance of kidney donations cannot be overstated. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, over 25,000 kidney transplant surgeries are performed each year in the United States, making it the most common organ transplant. Yet, approximately 90,000 individuals remain on the waiting list for a kidney.
For Dan, the gift from his nephew goes beyond medical necessity. “The kidney from my nephew means a lot since our family is close, and it allows me to spend more time watching my four grandchildren grow,” he expressed gratefully. Doug’s gesture illustrates the depths of familial love and commitment, reinforcing their strong family ties.
Dan concluded, “What do you do for a person that gives you a kidney? There’s not really much you can do. He understands that. He told me it was a gift he wanted to give.”
