New Kidney For Homer Glen Man After 8 Years Of Dialysis

HOMER GLEN, IL — After being on dialysis for eight years following the removal of both kidneys, Homer Glen resident John Sadler received a kidney in November. To celebrate his new kidney, the Midwest region of Home Depot, where Sadler works, organized a large car parade past Sadler's home.

"We have had many almost-donors, and were blessed to have him receive a kidney from the transplant list," John's daughter, Rebecca, told Patch in an email.

Sadler was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease when he was a teenager. The disease involves clusters of cysts developing within the kidneys, causing them to enlarge and lose function.

Sadler had one kidney removed in 2011, and the second removed in 2012.

"I was on dialysis for eight years, three days a week, six hours a day," Sadler told Patch.

Sadler has worked for Home Depot for 28 years, and worked full-time as the store manager at the Oak Lawn Home Depot throughout his dialysis and the pandemic this year.

"[It was] a total surprise," Sadler said of the car parade. There were 30 or 40 cars full of family, friends and coworkers, some holding signs supporting him.

Sadler said he was out golfing in early November when he saw he had two missed calls on his phone. He called back and found out that a kidney was available for him.

"It's gut-wrenching, it's nervousness," Sadler said. He had received similar calls before, but wasn't first on the list. This time, however, he went in for the procedure later that night.

"This is a gift," Sadler said.