FORT WORTH, TX – Texas State Senator Kelly Hancock (R-Fort Worth) today announced he was cleared by his transplant team to return to normal activities after recent lab results found “no signs of possible rejection.”

Hancock, age 58, was diagnosed with a rare genetic kidney disease in his mid-twenties and received a live kidney donation from his son-in-law, Greg Cox, this July.

“Each of us faces unique challenges in life,” said Hancock. “Robin and I decided years ago that we wouldn’t let this disease slow us down, and I couldn’t be more grateful to her and the rest of our family for their constant love and support both before and after the transplant. I have more energy than I’ve had in 30 years, and I’m eager to put this new lease on life to good use.”

Diagnosed with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy as a young adult, Hancock lived nearly 30 years quietly managing the disease with a strict diet and various activity restrictions. Last fall, he learned his kidney function had dropped to levels requiring imminent dialysis and qualifying him for the transplant waitlist.

Many of Hancock’s family members, including his three adult children, volunteered for testing as a live donor match. In a surprising turn of events, his son-in-law turned out to be the ideal donor.

The two underwent seamless procedures at Medical City Fort Worth on July 13. Julie Fine of NBC 5 DFW sat down with Hancock and Cox prior to surgery to discuss their journey. View the story online here: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/state-sen-kelly-hancock-recovering-after-receiving-a-kidney-donation-from-his-son-in-law/3013606/

For more information on the life-saving power of organ donation, or to become a registered organ donor, please visit donatelifetexas.org. Nearly 10,000 Texans are currently on the transplant list, with more than 8,000 in need of a kidney.

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