A Second Chance at Life: Donald Hagen’s Journey

For 45 years, Donald Hagen of Romulus, NY, built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. As a self-employed heating, plumbing, and air conditioning expert, he spent decades carrying heavy tools, climbing ladders, and putting in long hours to provide for his three children—Casey, Colby, and Chelsea. In time, his family circle grew to welcome a son-in-law, Sean Lamb, and the greatest joy of all—seven wonderful grandchildren from his three children, who are all the light of his life.

But three and a half years ago, everything changed. Don began feeling unusually tired and weak. “I could hardly carry my tools,” he recalls. Concerned, he visited his primary care provider, Dr. Andrew Reese at Lifecare Medical Associates. Bloodwork revealed alarming news—his kidneys were failing, caused by dangerously high blood pressure. Don was told to get to the emergency room immediately.

At Geneva General Hospital’s Emergency Department, the diagnosis became clear: his kidneys had stopped functioning properly. Within five days, Don began dialysis.

The Geneva General Hospital Dialysis Center became a lifeline, both medically and emotionally. Three times a week, for four hours at a time, Don underwent treatments. “I can’t say enough positive things about the facility and the care team,” Don said. “It’s so clean and welcoming, and the staff is fantastic. They were always there with support to lift me up when I was down.”

Living alone, Don found comfort in the friendships and kindness he experienced at the center. “They gave me birthday cards, brought in treats for the holidays, and became like family to me. That’s emotional support you can’t put a price on.”

For patients on dialysis, the hope of a kidney transplant is always in the background. Don began the evaluation process and qualified for the transplant list. Then, his daughter Chelsea made him an offer that would change everything—she wanted to donate a kidney in his honor through the Kidney Paired Donation (Share) Program. Although she was not a direct match for her father, her donation would move Don higher on the list.

“She wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Don said. In February 2025, Chelsea donated her kidney, and just three months later, Don received the call from the University of Pennsylvania—there was a kidney for him.

“I felt like I got the golden ticket,” Don said with a smile. The surgery went smoothly, and within three days, he was discharged to recover at Chelsea and Sean’s home, surrounded by family. Having two of his grandchildren, Lauren and Brooks, nearby was a priceless boost to his healing process. “Family is everything to me, and my daughter is my living angel.”

Looking back, Don acknowledges the toll dialysis took. Once an avid cyclist who rode several times a week, he struggled with the physical strain and the limitations dialysis imposed. Yet his faith, discipline, and determination kept him going. He followed medical advice, carefully watched his diet and fluid intake, and prioritized rest.

Now, with a new kidney and a renewed outlook on life, Don is looking forward to traveling again and getting back on his bike. “To anyone facing dialysis, I would say: don’t be afraid and don’t give up hope,” Don advises. “I am forever grateful to the Geneva General Hospital Dialysis Center. They gave me the support I needed to get to where I am today. And my daughter—I can’t say enough about how amazing she is. The doctor following her care said her one kidney is now functioning as strongly as two.”

Today, Don is embracing life with deep gratitude—for his health, for the medical teams who cared for him, and above all, for the gift of family that made his second chance possible.

Don pictured here with his nurse, Theresa Fletcher