James Staros, 49, relishes every bite of chocolate, each walk around the block, every card game with his friends.

For years, these simple pleasures were lost to him. Diagnosed with Type I diabetes 18 years ago, Staros - a professional chef - was forced to give up chocolate and most of the other foods he loved. Complications such as vision loss and foot ulcers steadily robbed him of his mobility. Eventually, the diabetes destroyed Staros' kidneys, leaving him dependent on dialysis to stay alive.

"On a scale of one to ten, my quality of life was less than one", he recalls. "Many days, I could barely get out of bed."

But today, thanks to a pancreas-kidney transplant at Rush in March 1994, Staros leads an active life. He no longer requires daily insulin injections or dialysis. His vision has gradually returned to normal, and his other medical problems continue to improve.

"For 18 years, every time I went to the doctor, all I heard was bad news. Now, all I hear is good news," says Staros, who lives on Chicago's southwest side with his wife Mary. He credits the support of his family and friends -- and, in particular, his wife - with getting him through his illness, transplant and recovery.

"For years, there were so many things I couldn't do," he says. "I'm making up for lost time."