Colorado Golfer Inspires After Kidney Transplant

Photo byColin Riley

DENVER — Eric Weichselbaumer’s journey is not just about overcoming medical adversity; it's a testament to resilience and the power of organ donation. A golfer with a passion for the sport, Eric is now a competitor on the U.S. Adaptive Golf Tour, showcasing a spirit that thrives despite significant challenges.

For years, Eric grappled with a rare bleeding disorder that intensified over time. In his early thirties, a heart attack struck him unexpectedly. "That was really the start of it. The heart attack came out of nowhere. Otherwise, very healthy," he recalls.

The situation escalated in January 2022 when a massive blood clot passed through his heart, shattering into pieces that affected his major organs. The consequences were dire, leading to the amputation of his left leg. "Eric had really bad blood clots. It was literally like every part of his body was affected," explains Dr. Hunter Moore, Eric's transplant physician at AdventHealth Porter in Denver.

As his kidneys began to fail, Eric's wife, Amanda, stepped up to donate one of hers. Unfortunately, she wasn't a match for Eric, but her altruism didn't go unnoticed—she matched another recipient on the donor waiting list. “I hope that I had a positive impact on the person that received my kidney,” Amanda shares. “But it also helped my family, allowing Eric to move up on the list.”

Thanks to Amanda's selfless act, Eric received a kidney in just nine months, significantly faster than the average wait of three to five years.

With a new kidney and a prosthetic leg, Eric has returned to his roles as husband, father, and golfer. "I don’t care that I navigate the course differently than others. I still navigate it," he says with determination.

Eric is now making his mark on the U.S. Adaptive Golf Tour, eagerly anticipating a competitive future. "Finishing the national championships with one of my best friends on the bag was a neat experience," he reflects. "I’m really excited to continue that journey."

His story underscores the challenges faced by those experiencing end-stage renal disease and highlights the critical importance of organ donation. "We’d go through two amputations before we faced anything kidney-related. That’s how challenging it can be," Eric emphasizes. "It’s vital to help people change their lives."

Through his journey, Eric not only seeks to inspire others but also aims to raise awareness about kidney donation, showing that hope and resilience can flourish even in the toughest circumstances.