Donate Life Month: Henrico Doctors' Hospital

Every mother and wife is superwoman to their family, and Roslyn Cooke is no different. She has two children and a partner, Zaire Briggs, who has End Stage Renal Disease. When Zaire was diagnosed with kidney failure, Roslyn quickly learned everything she could about treatment options, including a kidney transplant. Zaire had already started dialysis, which takes its toll on patients, decreases quality of life, and increases mortality. His nephrologist referred him to the Virginia Transplant Center at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital for evaluation.

Roslyn said she immediately knew she wanted to be Briggs’ kidney donor. They had been together for seven years and she said they intended to be together for 70 more. After learning more about kidney transplants through the Virginia Transplant Center, she learned Zaire would need help and support for his recovery and was torn because she wanted to do both: be his donor and also his required caregiver. She didn’t think she could help him recover from a transplant if she was recovering from surgery herself, but learned there was another option through the National Kidney Registry program that allowed her to donate her kidney to someone else in need on behalf of Zaire. This donation would subsequently allow Zaire to receive a living donor kidney in exchange. Roslyn was able to donate in advance and recover from surgery, at which time Zaire could receive a living donor kidney.

In January 2024, Roslyn underwent kidney donation surgery and recovered after six weeks. At that time, Zaire was able to be activated for his kidney transplant. Not only did Roslyn change the life of her family, but she also simultaneously saved the life of another recipient and their family by donating through the NKR exchange. Zaire is now off dialysis and living his best life with Roslyn and their children.