Candace Wathan

At just eight years old, Candace Wathan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. For almost 40 years, she fought debilitating fatigue and other complications. Eventually Candace suffered renal failure, making a kidney transplant her best option.

"Getting out of bed was so difficult," says Candace, who had to quit working in 2001. "When doctors told me I needed to put my name on the transplant waiting list, I realized I had to decide what I was going to do."

Because she was diabetic, Candace was also eligible for a pancreas transplant. While very sick — and just days after being placed on the list — she received her second chance at life through a renal-pancreatic transplant.

Now Candace is free of diabetes, and her health has improved tremendously.