To Save a Life
I want to give a gift to my cousin Bryan.
Over a year ago, Bryan's kidneys started to fail and he started dialysis; in dire need of a kidney transplant, his brother Harry was first in line to get tested to see if he was a match. He was. Harry underwent several months of doctors appointments, psych evaluations and more doctors appointments. They scheduled the surgery for September 2007 but two days before checking into the hospital, Bryan had a reaction to some meds and had several seizures. The surgery was postponed until November. In November, the doctors decided that Harry's blood pressure was too borderline to hypertension so they nixed him as a donor candidate. Talk about devastation. Harry was devastated that he couldn't help his little brother, Bryan was devastated to be postponed again and the rest of the family was devastated that the search had to start all over.
In December, I sent a blood sample to the Transplant Team and several weeks later they called to tell me I am a match. So, now I am the one going through the process and even though the surgery is still a few months away, every day we are one step closer to getting Bryan the kidney he needs to save his life.
When people hear what I am doing, the first thing most always say is: "That's amazing...I don't know if I could do that." And I can't help but wonder why anyone wouldn't. Yes, it's major surgery, with all the risks that implies, but when I heard that Harry couldn't donate, within 15 minutes I was on the phone to the Transplant Team asking what I needed to do to get tested. And now, knowing that we match, how could I say no and still look my family in the eye? I couldn't.
For as long as I can remember, I have been very vocal to my family and friends about wanting my organs donated after I die. I think my strong feelings about this comes from Daddy dying: in my 10 year-old mind I was convinced that a new heart could've saved him. Now, I am presented with the opportunity to help while I'm still here. And help not just anyone, but Bryan - family- and there is no way I would ever say no.
Am I scared? Yes. Is Bryan scared? Yes. Will I be sorry? Never.
Over a year ago, Bryan's kidneys started to fail and he started dialysis; in dire need of a kidney transplant, his brother Harry was first in line to get tested to see if he was a match. He was. Harry underwent several months of doctors appointments, psych evaluations and more doctors appointments. They scheduled the surgery for September 2007 but two days before checking into the hospital, Bryan had a reaction to some meds and had several seizures. The surgery was postponed until November. In November, the doctors decided that Harry's blood pressure was too borderline to hypertension so they nixed him as a donor candidate. Talk about devastation. Harry was devastated that he couldn't help his little brother, Bryan was devastated to be postponed again and the rest of the family was devastated that the search had to start all over.
In December, I sent a blood sample to the Transplant Team and several weeks later they called to tell me I am a match. So, now I am the one going through the process and even though the surgery is still a few months away, every day we are one step closer to getting Bryan the kidney he needs to save his life.
When people hear what I am doing, the first thing most always say is: "That's amazing...I don't know if I could do that." And I can't help but wonder why anyone wouldn't. Yes, it's major surgery, with all the risks that implies, but when I heard that Harry couldn't donate, within 15 minutes I was on the phone to the Transplant Team asking what I needed to do to get tested. And now, knowing that we match, how could I say no and still look my family in the eye? I couldn't.
For as long as I can remember, I have been very vocal to my family and friends about wanting my organs donated after I die. I think my strong feelings about this comes from Daddy dying: in my 10 year-old mind I was convinced that a new heart could've saved him. Now, I am presented with the opportunity to help while I'm still here. And help not just anyone, but Bryan - family- and there is no way I would ever say no.
Am I scared? Yes. Is Bryan scared? Yes. Will I be sorry? Never.
posted by kcterrilynn at 9:33 AM
7 Comments:
That's pretty damn awesome. I'm on the bone marrow registry and have the donor notification listed on my license, but being able to do that for family is pretty special. And you'll have a cool scar. Guy's dig scars.
you really are fantastic!
the world would be a better place if it had more people like you.
Tim: Depending on the type of surgery I'll either have one 8-inch scar on my left side or four 2-inch scars on my stomach. Niiiiiice! I'll post pics, I promise.
Spacks: Awww, shucks, you're making me blush!
you are amazing and that is an incredibly wonderful, brave, and selfless thing you are doing. you're my hero.
Kate: Thanks, but I'm not a hero yet...still have several rounds of tests to get through, but we're getting closer. Now, everyone needs to cross their fingers that I pass the psych evaluation. LOL
You are fabulous! My Denver Trip is off for now, but thanks for the info!
You are one of those people that I strive to be more like. How awesome and amazing of you to do this! I hope the surgery goes well for you both!!!
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