That was not always the case. In fact I was told to “get my affairs in order and spend time with my family" because I was going to die. I needed a liver and kidney transplant but the doctors did not think I would live long enough to get them. I was definitely not prepared to hear that or for the roller coaster ride I was about to experience. This meant dialysis five times a week/4 hours a day, several hospital visits, numerous procedures and complications and countless blood transfusions. I lost count at around 35. Sometimes I would needed two to four transfusions per week due to dangerously low hemoglobin and platelets as well as anemia. Those transfusions played a key role in keeping me alive long enough to get the life saving transplant I needed. I am so very grateful for the gift of life and the second chance at life. As I celebrate one year post transplant, it has been a year of challenges, growth and the opportunity to make lasting memories with family and friends.
Everyone has that potential to make a difference. It has also inspired my daughter to be a donor and she gave her first donation last March because she saw firsthand the importance and impact it has.
