![Blankenship Thomas](/kidneychain/images/people/Blankenship_Thomas.jpg)
"I eventually got so weak that I could hardly function. It’s one thing to be on dialysis, but being a transplant patient and on dialysis? That was a whole different thing.
"On Dec. 6, 2013, I got my kidney transplant at UAB. I went home three-and-a-half days later. When I woke up after the surgery, I felt great. I still do.
"I am a new man. I feel awesome."