When she was 53, Glenda Daggert received her kidney and pancreas transplant on June 23, 1999 at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell Campus, in Manhattan. What led to her illness? Glenda suffered from diabetes from the time she was 15. This led to kidney failure at the age of 40. And that’s why she needed a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant.

Glenda, who is now 61, recalls she was on the national waiting list for 14 months. Can you imagine how much longer she would have to wait now, eight years later? She is married to Ira Copperman; and she has a stepdaughter, Amy Copperman. Amy, in turn, is married to Tobey Jackson, and they have two children, Chloe Jackson, age 6 and Seth Jackson, age 2. Both Glenda and Ira are enthusiastic New York Organ Donor Network volunteers.

A certified, professional life coach, teacher, facilitator, retired sales trainer and program manager, Glenda’s hobbies include reading, theatre, everything about New York City, NYU classes on various topics, museums, art shows, volunteering at the Donor Network, TRIO of Manhattan, and National Kidney Foundation.

When asked how she is doing, Glenda says: “I'm doing very well. I'm in excellent health, healthier than I've ever been in my life. My blood pressure is perfect, my cholesterol is perfect, and my new organs are functioning beautifully. Living without diabetes and kidney disease is like being re-born. I never dreamed it would be possible. My thanks to my donor family can in no way express the joy and energy which I have since my transplant. It not only saved my life; it made me aware of living every precious moment. Along with my donor family's sadness, I truly hope they know how their decision has helped others.”

Glenda added: “I also want to give special acknowledgement to all the nurses on the transplant floor at the New York Presbyterian Hospital; they were so dedicated and skilled! My husband, Ira Copperman, was an unbelievable supporter and care-taker during my years with diabetes and during my transplant. He's made everything I've been through so much easier to deal with than it would have been alone.”


Glenda Daggert


Ira and Glenda