Spread the Word

Organ and tissue donation is the gift of life. In a spiritual reality, it truly is a miracle. Living a life of purpose, love, faith and sharing what God has given us, is made possible by donors, their families and the peri-transplant teams. I never realized my life was planned for me at birth, until I was approaching my end of life with ESLD. Acceptance of what was and how I got to this point, even as I type this, is predetermined. The years, decades of being a caretaker made seeing death as part of life a little less fearful. However, I was not ready to go yet. For ages I used my strength, will and knowledge to not be afraid. I chose to accept my life either way, and persevered with living as my greatest accomplishment. I will live to raise my children, live to give back, live to love, live to laugh, live to learn. When I was added to the liver transplant waiting list in 2023, I knew there was hope yet an uncertain future. I have been told by specialists, surgeons, doctors, nurses, spiritual leaders, friends and family that I had done everything humanly possible to find a donor. When 2024 was coming to a close, my end of life was as well. I took strength to strength to put one foot in front of the other and face the saddest days with a bit of a forced smile, still some glimmer in my eyes. Faith, hope and resilience are my swords. I did fight the good fight, however a true warrior knows when to retreat, rest and regroup. I was so confused, lost and bereft yet I could still see the sun (in my head anyway). Of the darkest times, "the phone call" came. It was never supposed to happen, or so I thought. Of all the prayers, interventions, meditations, medications, treatments and options used and exhausted, that call to receive a liver transplant, changed and gave me life. Again. New beginnings. Freedom. Choice. Love. Purpose. Gratitude. Faith. Trust. Wisdom. Peace.

Donate. If not for me, then for someone you know (or do not know!) that may need transplant. Profile photo? 4 weeks post liver transplant at home.

We truly never know when our time of need will happen. Donation can have a domino effect and save many lives. Personal beliefs about donation are just that. Personal. No need to explain why donation is or is not for you. When faced with a terminal diagnosis and transplant being the only option to live, acceptance comes in time. Hope is there yet no certainty for receiving a donor organ is promised. Many die waiting for transplanted liver and kidneys. Demand far outweighs availability of organs. Too few Canadians have registered as tissue and organ donors. Lives and families lost and devastated while the option to donate creates a gift of life to share the human experience a bit longer. We all want to live, don't we? Our best lives. Given the opportunity, in death, I would be a donor. I cannot be a donor for medical reasons. I hope people pass my message on. The legacy of organ donation is astounding. The ultimate gift of life is your to give.