Mentor Profile – Jen Clark

Jen Clark, Donor Mentor

Jen Clark is a live donor who gave the Gift of Life through kidney donation in 2010. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her 4-year old son and husband.

Jen’s Transplant Story

My father in law is a diabetic and received a kidney from a family member about 30 years ago.  Five years ago he learned he needed a new kidney. I was pregnant at the time and watched my husband and his sister and mom go through the testing process.  Unfortunately none of them were able to donate.  My father in law was told he would be placed on the list and would need to go on dialysis, something he really did not want to do.  A couple of months after giving birth, I was given the go ahead by my doctor to get tested.  I was a compatible match!  Exactly six months after giving birth, I gave my father in law a kidney.  Seeing the immediate change in his color, energy and spirit is something I will never forget.  It was amazing how much something I didn’t need could help someone else.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a criminal investigator.

What do you do for fun?

I Travel, watch movies, and read, mostly.

What do you do to stay active?

I play with my son.

Why did you choose to be a mentor?

I know I had a lot of questions when I was going through the transplant process, and it was really helpful having someone to talk to that was not directly affected.

What is your involvement with ATF? How long have you been involved?

I’ve been volunteering with ATF for a couple of years now.  I have enjoyed meeting so many people with similar experiences and learning about their transplant journey.

Are you a donor mentor or transplant recipient mentor?

Donor mentor.

Fun Facts:

• Favorite Sports Team? I’m sports ignorant, but enjoy watching a baseball game now and then.
• Favorite Food? No favorite, but I love trying new things.
• Favorite or Dream vacation? Anywhere with a beach.