Fan Friday: Bob Mansfield
“If you look at me, you’d never know I had a transplant,” said Bob Mansfield, the picture of health and member of The Ohio State University Football staff.
Mansfield, a lifelong athlete, was shocked when he was diagnosed with kidney failure in 1992.
“I didn’t feel well, I thought it was the flu and then I learned it was much worse,” he said. Doctors started making plans for Mansfield to join the national transplant waiting list and, in the meantime, he began dialysis treatments.
“Dialysis is a very grueling process,” said Mansfield. “You have no energy; you don’t feel good, you’re as sick as a dog. I started to feel like there wasn’t any hope.”
But Mansfield remained strong, continuing his work as a high school principal in Youngstown, Ohio throughout his treatment. More than two years after he began dialysis, Mansfield received the call that would change his life – a kidney was available for him.
True to his fighting spirit, Mansfield went home five days after his transplant and three weeks later he was back to working out on a treadmill, all thanks to his donor. He also credits his wife, Linda, with helping him recover so quickly.
“You can’t go through this without a support system. I don’t think anybody could have had a better supporter than Linda,” he said.
Today, 15 years post-transplant, Mansfield works as an academic encourager for The Ohio State University Football team. “Now, I’m probably every bit as strong as I’ve ever been in my life,” said Mansfield, who works out every day. He added that the experience gave him a new perspective on life and that he’s a better person for it.
Mansfield has written to his donor’s family to express gratitude for the chance to live on. “It’s hard to put into writing how you feel,” he said. “I sometimes wonder, “Why me? Why did I get this blessing?”’
To pay forward the gift he received, Mansfield advocates for donation by sharing his story and encouraging others to register as donors. “Being a donor is the most unselfish thing you can do” he said.
“You have to win the game not only on the field,” said Mansfield, “but in life as well. Thanks to my donor, I’m still here to give it my all.”
One Comment »
Fred Girscht
Bob is a great person and a great buckeye!