Perry Hall
As an infant, Perry Hall was diagnosed with a kidney infection that would affect her entire life. She was born with only one kidney and would eventually need a kidney transplant. Perry defied the odds and played sports, became a mother and continues to thrive thanks to Hoxworth blood donors, as well as organ donors. Read or watch her story to learn how resilience and hope have turned this illness into a life with no limits.
Perry Hall’s medical issues started at a very young age. When she was 17 months old, she was diagnosed with a kidney infection and eventually renal failure at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. It was around that time that doctors discovered she was born with one kidney. The doctors predicted she would need a kidney transplant by the age of 13 and said she should never play sports or have children.
In high school growing up in Ross, Ohio, Perry was athletic and didn’t require a kidney transplant into her teenage years. But that luck would eventually run out.
At just 30 years old, what began as a broken toe and a painful case of gout led to the discovery that Perry would soon need a kidney transplant. As she waited for a kidney donor, blood transfusions from local Hoxworth Heroes became a critical part of her care.
I remember getting the blood transfusions [from Hoxworth donors] and having so much more energy. It was surreal.”
Perry Hall
Perry went on dialysis in 2007 and received a new kidney in 2011 at The Christ Hospital.
That kidney lasted nine years until it started to fail during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It’s common for organ transplant recipients to have their organ fail. According to the National Kidney Foundation, on average, a kidney transplant from a living donor lasts about 15 to 20 years, and a kidney from a deceased donor lasts 8 to 12 years. Perry explains how she dealt with the loss of her first kidney.
“I grieved for my donor family [from my first kidney transplant] because I felt like they were losing their child again.”
Perry started another round of dialysis and went back on the transplant list. After a few years, Perry had her second transplant in 2023. Now, a mom of six children and a recent widow, the new kidney was a blessing as Perry was going through a very hard time despite her own health issues.
“People tell me I look normal and I say that’s because I received a kidney transplant and I don’t have to sit on a machine for hours at a time. By just sharing my story, that encourages people alone to help and say they can give that gift to someone else.”
Perry says several friends stepped forward to be tested as potential donors. One of them, inspired by Perry’s journey, ultimately donated a kidney to a stranger. That ripple effect, she says, is exactly the kind of message she hopes to share with others.
“Blood donors and tissue donors often get left out of the thank you process. I would say a big thank you! In addition to my two kidney donors, I’ve had multiple blood transfusions from Hoxworth donors in our tri-state that have saved my life. So it does make a difference when people donate blood, tissue and organs.”
Perry is healthy today and continues routine screenings to ensure her kidney is functioning well. Outside of that, she stays busy with her children, grandchildren, and her work at the National Kidney Foundation. This job is one she’s not only passionate about, but one that is deeply personal to her.
“It’s lovely having the opportunity to have more time with the kids. Because I think that’s your legacy.”
Perry’s advice to others is simple but vital: pay attention to your health and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. She urges people to prioritize their well-being and never hesitate to seek a second opinion or get help before it’s too late. Perry says she feels fortunate to have received exceptional care in the Greater Cincinnati area, including from Cincinnati Children’s, Bethesda North, Good Samaritan, and The Christ Hospital.
If you would like to learn more about organ donation, we encourage you to follow the link and take the next step in becoming informed.
Hoxworth not only supplies lifesaving blood products to more than 30 local hospitals, but our Transplantation Immunology (HLA) Department also manages all organ-matching for the Greater Cincinnati region. This is why Hoxworth Blood Center and the donors who support it are truly Saving Lives Close to Home. Become part of that impact by learning more and donating blood today.