16 Sep 2017 Award presented for kidney donation

Pamela Bates, a native of Hot Springs, was presented with the Chain of Life Award by the Arkansas Kidney Disease Commission during a ceremony in Little Rock. 

The Chain of Life Awards began at the request of the state Legislature following the 2011 session. The ceremony serves to recognize and show appreciation to living kidney donors for their contribution. Many of the “heroes” have donated their kidney to a person whom they had no relationship prior to the transplant. Bates is one of nine recipients that received the award this year.

Bates donated a kidney to her husband, Gordon. When they learned of his illness, she said there was no doubt in her mind that she would see if she were a match. The transplant occurred in August 2016.  

“I can’t imagine knowing that I could be a match and didn’t do it. This was a match that was meant to be before we ever knew that we existed. It was something God planned and made happen,” Pamela said.

Gordon said he is forever indebted to his wife of 32 years. “I’m blessed. It’s a miracle that she was a match,” he said.

The couple is basking in their new lease on life. They celebrated the milestone by taking a cruise earlier this year. Gordon is doing well and has been able to resume normal activities. Pamela received her graduate degree. 

Cynthia Baker-Smith, program director for the Arkansas Kidney Disease Commission, said, “We look forward to this heartwarming ceremony each year. This is our grand opportunity to salute those who gave a life-saving donation. This shows that there are still good people in our state and across our nation.”

The Arkansas Kidney Disease Commission is a program of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, a division of the Arkansas Department of Career Education.  For more information about Career Education and other programs, visit ARCareerEd.org or follow the agency on Twitter @ARCareerEd.