Brad Bywater’s Journey with Kidney Disease

In May 2023, Brad Bywater attended his daughter’s high school graduation in a wheelchair, unable to both stand and cheer like other parents around him.

He experienced a wave of coldness, followed by a metallic taste and nausea that sapped his energy. As he watched his daughter cross the stage, the celebration felt distant—he could only observe from his chair.

Bywater, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from San Tan Valley, Arizona, has been living with polycystic kidney disease—an inherited disorder that leads to kidney failure due to cyst formation. In January 2023, his kidneys entered renal failure, and by graduation day, even short walks left him breathless.

He understood that his condition would worsen over time, but he didn’t anticipate the level of pain that would come so quickly. “I pushed it aside,” he mentioned, adding, “When the pain became too much, that’s when I started to truly worry.”

Spontaneous ruptures of cysts were particularly brutal, often leaving him in severe pain for weeks.

In March of that same year, a call from his nephrologist changed everything. “You need to come in ASAP; we need to talk,” the doctor said, which made Bywater anxious.

Upon learning that his kidney function had dropped below 20, the threshold for needing a transplant, the couple discussed getting on the transplant list, which typically takes about five years to navigate.

While waiting for the testing process to begin, he started peritoneal dialysis, which required him to be home by 7:30 p.m. each night to connect to a machine that filtered toxins overnight. “It really affected our date nights,” he chuckled.

Five months later, he was officially placed on the Mayo Clinic’s national kidney transplant waiting list. A single Facebook post by the family asking for potential donors led to an overwhelming response.

Brad was emotional when he realized how many people stepped forward to help. “I had no idea I was this loved,” he admitted.

Friends and even old acquaintances from high school began reaching out to offer their support. “I lost count after around 60 people who signed up,” he recalled with disbelief, noting he had only hoped for a handful of interested donors.

One of those who responded was Chris Runkel, the Bywaters’ ministering brother. Though they weren’t close, Runkel felt a strong urge to be tested to see if he could be a match.

Initially surprised by this feeling, he shared it with his wife, Candee, who later experienced her own revelation at a stoplight. A wave of certainty washed over her, leading her to believe her husband needed to pursue the testing.

Both Chris and Candee underwent the lengthy testing process at Mayo Clinic to determine compatibility.

Throughout the testing, Runkel had a sense he would be a match. “It felt destined,” he said, and when they confirmed he was suitable, the Runkels rushed to share the news.

On a sunny day in June, Candee called Angela Bywater, prompting an overwhelming wave of gratitude from Angela upon hearing the news. “How do you thank someone for that?” she contemplated.

Shortly after, Brad received the call at work, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “I’d only been on dialysis for four months; most wait for years,” he reflected, feeling gratitude that seemed too big to express.

He compared this gratitude to his feelings for his faith, explaining that this experience opened his heart to the love of his Savior.

On the day of the surgery, nerves ran high for the Bywaters as they checked in. While waiting, a young person played a familiar hymn, and Brad felt a sense of peace wash over him.

As they got into the elevator, they were greeted by Candee, intensifying the spiritual comfort he felt. On September 26, 2023, Chris made a selfless choice—donating a kidney to Brad.

Though no longer assigned to minister to the Bywaters, the Runkels and Bywaters built a lasting friendship rooted in mutual appreciation. They continue to support one another in various ways.

Looking back, Brad emphasized, “You may not realize how much you can change someone’s life. It might not always mean giving an organ; sometimes, it’s just being there for someone or being willing to serve.”