About Me

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Chicago, Illinois, United States
Make Life Happen! Welcome to all of you who visit. If you are looking into becoming a Living Donor and would like a detailed idea of my journey..scroll down and begin with the older posts first. I welcome any questions or topics that you would like to know more about.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

One Year Anniversary of Donating a Kidney!






April 26, 2011 marked my one year anniversary of donating a kidney. To be honest I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. I woke up yesterday with a smile on my face, thinking about where I was last year, the 8 people that were able to get a kidney because of my altruistic donation and just felt that "Life Was Good".

I had a beautiful note from my recipient and had a chance to speak with him over the phone as well. I asked him to wish my kidney Happy Anniversary for me! In the evening, I attended Harvey Mysel's workshop "Finding a Donor" which was very well attended here in Chicago. As I was sitting there listening to the questions from those needing a kidney I was amazed as always of just how many people have not had access to options to receive a kidney! I haven't come up with any one answer except there is a major lack of information coming from sources who the kidney patients have contact with. Harvey Mysel of the Living Kidney Donors Network is the person that is providing this much needed information for these individuals.

As a donor and mentor to others who are either donating or considering donating, I am equally an advocate of the need for EARLY education to those needing a kidney.
As the number of those who need a kidney continue to grow, now up to 88,000 on the waiting list for a deceased donor and most likely a 5 year wait...I am convinced that living donors are the only way to see this list decrease. Last year when I donated the waiting list was 83,000. In just one year another 5,000 have been added.
11 people die each day waiting for a kidney. So when people ask my why I donated my response is...because I can make a difference.

After the worshop several people who attended said to me "You are a really special person to donate a kideny" My response to that is "there are a lot me's out there"
I've had the pleasure of mentoring to many altrusitic donors. Angela Stimpson being one of them who has an outstanding blog and continues to be a mentor and advocate to others. I am not unique or special...I am however devoted to seeing kidney recipients have their deam come true in getting a kidney and being able to live their lives without dialysis.

I respect and understand that being an altruistic donor is not for everyone. What I can share with you is that if I could do it all over again...I would in a heartbeat.