Last month I shared a story for National Kidney Month. This month, I am highlighting National Donate Life Month. An entire month devoted to advocating for a cause near and dear to my heart.
I have a unique perspective on National Donate Life Month. Having two of the most amazing reasons why; my older brother and my sweet uncle. The gift of life through living donation has given both of these amazing men a new lease on life, and I know I am not the only who is forever grateful. Our families were very fortunate to not have to spend time waiting on the donor registry. There are so many others, waiting. Waiting for their miracle, waiting for their gift of life.
If you are reading this, I encourage you to check out Donate Life. Register as a donor and if you feel called into the living donor world, I am happy to chat with you about my journey. The greatest thing to come from the world of social media is sharing our stories.
My dad was my brothers first living donor in and I remember at that time I wanted to be tested. However, I wasn’t 18 and our dad was a match. I had the opportunity to experience living donation on a very personal level – caring for both my dad and brother in their recoveries. Their transplant took place just before Christmas that year and we all had grateful hearts.
Living through these experiences, changes you. Watching a person you love walk through tremendous trauma, changes you. Especially living through this experience as a child. My brother and I are 18 months apart and have always been thick as thieves.
Ten years ago, my brother was admitted to the hospital, again. At this point we no longer counted the number of stays. However, this time we were entering new territory. There were parts that he had never been through; transfusions, peritoneal dialysis catheter placement, in-center dialysis, new dietary restrictions, and his need for a second transplant.
There was never a doubt in my mind that I would be able to step up to the plate this time. I remember so many people telling me not to get my hopes up, but I pushed that from my thoughts. Living without my brother was not an option.
Is surgery scary? Yes. Is donation a sacrifice? Yes. Is donation worth it? 100% Yes.
I will continue to share more of this story as we approach our 10-ten anniversary and I hope you will join along. I would love to connect with you if you have any questions!