We regularly feature new entries for the Illinois Donor Diaries to give you an inside perspective on the issue. Check back often.

Whether you are a recipient of donated organs and/or tissue, have a loved one who became an organ donor, or simply enjoy advocating organ/tissue donation, we want to hear from you. Diary entries share why organ and tissue donation is important to you in 200 words or less. Submit entry, photo and the following statement:

I consent for Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network to publish this information on its World Wide Web Internet site.

7/7/10, submitted by Audriana, Crystal Lake, IL

My name is Audriana and on June 6, 2010, I decided to register to become a donor. I was watching a series on TV called Three Rivers and saw a particular episode that touched me. The episode was called Win-Loss. What touched me was that there was this man that needed a double-lung transplant and a person who had died that wanted to be an organ and tissue donor. The person’s family was having a dispute about whether she should become an organ donor. What got me was that it was too late by the time they got the lungs to the hospital because unfortunately the patient that needed the lung transplant had died. Ultimately there was another patient that received the donated heart, but so much more could have been done if she had been a registered organ and tissue donor.

I want to be able to give life at the end when my time comes because I know just as easily that I could be the one needing a transplant someday. I want to be the hope for somebody who needs a transplant someday. I know it might sound silly that a television show inspired me to do this but really I just want to help others.

Don’t wait until the next Three Rivers episode to register, join the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry today!

-Audriana
Crystal Lake, Illinois

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6/1/10, submitted by Karl R., Chicago, IL

I received a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy in August 1986. Back then the procedure and medicines were still largely considered experimental. So thirteen years later, in January 2000, I received a second heart transplant along with a kidney. The immuno-suppressive drugs had damaged my kidneys. They've changed the medications to be less toxic these days, lessons learned from trail blazers like me.

I have three grown children and a good life, all thanks to my donors. I've been a recipient for 24 years (half my life) and prospects are good I'll see an almost normal life span. All because of families who turned tragedy into blessings by donating their lost loved one. With almost a quarter century under my belt I can safely say, transplants work!

Sadly, my fiancée recently died from complications with her Lupus and peritoneal dialysis. She/we waited 6 1/2 years for a kidney that never came. That's shameful. If just one living donor makes an altruistic kidney donation to a stranger, it can lead to a cascade of donations allowing for multiple kidney transplants to take place, thus removing several patients from the waiting list.

Furthermore, just one organ and tissue donor can save and enhance more than 25 lives. Please register as an organ/eye & tissue donor today!

-Karl R.
Chicago, IL

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07/21/09, Submitted by Kari, Schaumburg, IL

My name is Kari and on January 22, 2009 my husband of one year, and companion of nine years, died. Tim had an undiagnosed heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. We never knew there was anything wrong. Tim was a special education teacher, coach, and simply the best person I had ever known, and will ever know.

My husband and I had discussed many, many times about being organ donors. We both registered and talked about how we wouldn’t need our organs when we’re gone; and thus, it made sense to donate everything to someone who could benefit from life. I would quiz him obnoxiously about what I wanted to donate.

I’m a donor for Tim. I’m a donor for people like Tim. Now more than ever, I want to help and spread the word on organ and tissue donation. Tim helped people when he was alive, and it’s an amazing feeling knowing that he’s still helping people after he’s gone.

-Kari
Schaumburg, IL

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03/30/08, Submitted by Lauren D., Chicago, IL

03/30/08, Submitted by - Aimee Morath, Monmouth, IL

Never would I have thought my stolen car would lead to a kidney donation four years later. At the age of 19, I moved from Monmouth, IL to Phoenix, AZ to attend massage therapy school. Just a few weeks after my Arizona relocation, I began a frantic search at numerous dealerships to replace my stolen car. During this time, I met a dealership manager, Michael, who, along with his wife, Susan, became my massage clients. A short time passed, and I quickly became like a part of their family. In time, I learned of Michael’s health history, which involved three past kidney transplants. His transplanted kidney was functioning well; it was three years later when that all changed.

I moved back to Illinois in 2006, but have since kept in close touch with Michael and Susan between Phoenix visits and phone calls. I visited in August 2007, and learned that Michael’s health was not so well. He discussed his symptoms with the possibility of kidney failure. Our conversation led to my knowledge of living kidney donation, which would be his best option for a fourth transplant.

I flew home that trip, with the knowledge of Michael’s blood type, and the strong feeling that I was meant to be his donor. When I returned to Illinois, I looked at my blood donor card, and was thrilled to discover that Michael and I have the same blood type. I discussed the living kidney donation with my family and friends, learned of the procedure details, and felt nothing but assurance that I should donate. I called Michael to discuss this next step of our lives.

The road hasn’t been easy since that phone call, between months of testing, antibody scares, and surgery schedules. However, I am pleased to say that on December 16th, 2008, Michael received my kidney. The surgery was a success, and Michael is able to live again without dialysis. I feel so honored to have had the chance to change someone’s life in this way. Before I encountered this opportunity, I was an organ donor, but knew little about the true need for organ donation. Throughout my kidney donation, I learned just how many people feel the same.

Today, I celebrate that Michael no longer has to worry about his name on a transplant list, but there are thousands that do. Through organ donation awareness, it is my hope that we can change the length of the waiting list.

Aimee Morath
Monmouth, IL

02/23/08, Submitted by - Jennifer D

In 2003, just after my 23rd birthday, I was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, an auto-immune kidney disease. My own anti-bodies were attacking my kidneys. Within 2 years, my kidneys were functioning at less that 10%. At this point I began receiving dialysis treatments. Simply put, dialysis is medicine that helps clean out your body when your kidneys can’t do it for you. I had to be at the dialysis center 3 days a week, 4 hours a day. This process made me extremely tired for the first 6 months, and many times after that as well.

In July 2007, I received a call from the transplant coordinators telling me that a donor match had been found
for me!

I was very happy but also nervous. When I went to the hospital to meet Gigi, I learned that her sister Candice also needed a transplant. Gigi was not a match for her sister, so she was donating to anyone who needed it. The hospital had found a donor for Candice too - a Good Samaritan donor, and the surgeries were set to happen all at the same time, on the same day. This is called a “paired donation.” I was very lucky to be a part of this special procedure. Gigi recovered in the hospital for three days and I was in the hospital for five days.

I am so grateful to Gigi for giving me this chance to have a full life! Now 28 years old, I am able to travel and work at a job that I love  without having to spend hours of my life in a dialysis chair. Gigi is also doing great. She reports that other than the scar; she feels the same as she did before the surgery took place. She is my hero for being so selfless.

-Jennifer D.

10/06/08, Submitted by - Beth Johnson, Loves Park, I

Throughout my life I have learned about the need for organ transplants through various ways - a very young family friend who needed a liver transplant and died waiting, a co-worker who donated a kidney to her father, my friend’s father who had not just one, but two heart transplants, my friend and
co-worker who lost her young, healthy husband to a brain aneurysm and donated his organs to save several lives, including taking two people off dialysis, and eventually my own father who needed a kidney transplant.

When I received my first drivers license at the age of 16 I immediately signed the back and told my parents of my wishes to donate my organs if I was to die and had my mom and sister witness my signature; this was back in the day where that’s how one could join the registry. At that time, I had no idea that I didn’t even have to die to donate an organ or how much of an impact organ donation would have on me and my family.

Several years later, my father was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). This disease is hereditary and causes cysts to grow all over the kidneys and eventually caused his kidneys to stop working. When he began the tests for a transplant, the doctor found an eyelet cell tumor on his pancreas. Although the tumor was removed, he had to go 5 years cancer free before being eligible for a transplant.

Meanwhile, dialysis sustained his life until he was eligible for transplant. Maybe it is because of my past experiences or the time waiting for my dad to be eligible for a transplant that I had no hesitations to give him one of my kidneys. After many tests and many days of waiting and anticipation, the doctors gave us the okay to proceed. On June 26, 2008 I was able to give my father the “gift of life” by giving him my left kidney.

Over 100,000 Americans are on the UNOS waiting list for a transplant. The most needed organ is a kidney with almost 78,000 Americans waiting for one. Most people are born with two kidneys and only need one to survive. The second highest needed organ is a liver. Almost 16,000 Americans await a liver transplant, which can also come from a living donor. If just one family member, friend, or even a complete stranger would donate a kidney or part of their liver to these 94,000 people, the wait list would be reduced to only 6,000!

The feeling of saving a life is indescribable… not just for living donors but also for the family of a deceased donor. So, why not give the gift of life… when you are alive, or after you pass on… or both!

Beth Johnson
Loves Park, I

10/06/08, Submitted by - Audra Glenn, Carlinville, Ill.

During my senior year of high school I was diagnosed with a rare form of Hepatitis. For five weeks, I was in and out of hospitals as doctors were trying to figure out why I was turning jaundice orange.

Looking towards the worst, doctors were preparing my family and me with the option of a liver transplant, as 20% of similar cases result in transplant. Fortunately, I began to get better and we all thought that I would not become a Hepatitis statistic. All that changed very quickly over Thanksgiving weekend as I was cheering on the Indianapolis Colts along with 50,000 other people and became extremely sick. Back in the hospital, my liver was thoroughly inspected only to find that it was in perfect health. What the tests did discover was that I had a very fatal disease called Severe Aplastic Anemia. Aside from numerous platelet and blood transfusions and chemotherapy treatments, my only option was a bone marrow transplant.

The most glorious day in my life was when my family was told that my big sister was a perfect match! I had my lifesaving transplant on January 18, 2007…that day will forever be our connection. Without my sister, I would not have been able to make the dean’s list my freshman year of college.  Even after my transplant, the doctors told me I wouldn’t even be able to attend college that next year – but I have proven to them that with my sister’s help, I am a fighter.

I chose to major in nursing. My experiences will help me in my career and allow me to help others that face similar obstacles. Currently, I am in my sophomore year at MacMurray College and am also a peer leader in the freshman dorm. I am super excited to still be doing fairly well and pushing on with my life.

Due to our direct connection with transplantation, my family and I work hard to help Illinoisans join the State’s organ/tissue donor registry, as well as the Bone Marrow donor registry.

- Audra Glenn
Carlinville, Ill.

10/06/08, Submitted by -Melissa, Chicago, Ill.

Open-Hearted

The beams of the hot Midwestern sun warm me from the inside in June, the month of my birth, my new life and the time in which my deepest questions were answered.

It was June 10, 2008 when I first heard from your family, nearly one year from the date of your passing. Your mom said she felt it was time to write me, although she had tried before and couldn’t get the words out, her emotions blocking the way. For some reason that I can’t recall now, I went home on my lunch break from work and naturally, I checked the mail. I never expected to hear from your family, following my initial letter to them. After all, they have faced the most difficult thing in life in losing you.

While your gift is my greatest joy, it’s at the expense of their deepest sorrow. Chloe, please know how proud they are of you. It seems that you had many friends and were surrounded by real love, a deep love that filled your heart. And today, you still have all of those things through me.

With shaky hands and a sense of peace, I pulled the letter from the linen envelope and out fell an Origami bird. Memories of my childhood bird watching days with my grammie and grandpa flashed through my mind. Though I was sure that this was by far, the most beautiful bird I had seen. It was made from delicate paper and the words inside were even more telling. Open-hearted. That’s how one of your friends, who made this bird for your mom described you. I imagined one hundred little birds from your many friends inside a box for her safekeeping. One day she’ll read them and smile at the thought of you. Like I do every day.

When I’m dancing at a party, playing golf, making brownies, hugging my husband or just checking the mail, you are there. Your heart is my new healthy gem that brought me from my deepest, sickest day to this moment. I’m more alive than I have ever been and forever I will be grateful for your gift, which represents the highest level of compassion for others. Chloe, I cherish and honor you for giving me back the years that I lost since heart disease plagued me when I was 14 years old. That’s how old you were, just 14 - forever young. No wonder you were a perfect match for me. Until we meet again because there is so much I want to tell you…

With admiration and love - your heart recipient,

Melissa
Chicago, Ill.

08/11/08, Submitted by -Seth Goodman, Lincoln, Ill.

Breezy’s Gift

In fourth grade I didn’t just learn science or math, but more notably one of life’s greatest lessons: the importance and value of giving. Brianne Bacon, a good friend of mine known as “Breezy,” could always lighten my mood just by seeing her radiant smile and hearing her cheerful laugh. Even when finding out at the young age of ten that she had a brain tumor, Brianne never once lost hope and continued to enlighten other people’s lives.

The tumor was removed to the extent that it could be. Removing the rest would have risked vision loss and possible paralysis. Although Brianne never gave up, the tumor, which was believed to have been non-cancerous, grew back. Her body simply couldn’t overcome the growth. At first, I didn’t understand why such an incident would occur to such a blessed young child so full of life. Looking back, I may never understand why she was taken, but I do now understand how fragile life can be.

When Brianne passed away, her parents, Rick & Stacy Bacon, decided to donate her organs. Although Brianne cannot be with us today, she lives on through the lives of four individuals whose lives could’ve also been cut short without her life-saving contributions. Organ donation to me defines life: hope, generosity, and the true definition of giving - such a small decision that could result in such huge success for so many. I want to be remembered by not only the life I lived but also the life I gave. Please take 30 seconds and register online and be a hero – because as Breezy showed me, life goes on.

Seth Goodman
Lincoln, Ill.

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06/13/08, Submitted by -Susan E. Snyder, Oswego, IL

My Mom was my best friend.

She was a nurse like her Mom was a nurse and I had wanted to be a nurse as well. My Mom had high blood pressure and diabetes. In 1995 she underwent a quadruple bypass. She came out of that well, but within a few months, she was going into kidney failure. Mom started peritoneal dialysis in December 1995. Since she was a nurse, the doctors decided she could do her dialysis at home. Mom and I were both trained on how to do her treatments.

For a year and a half, Mom spent every night hooked up to the machine. During that time, she and I decided that to improve her life even more, she needed a transplant. I was tested and turned out to be a near perfect match for a kidney transplant. On May 28th, 1997 we had the surgery. Mom had some complications and spent one month in the hospital. It was smooth sailing until about two and a half years ago when her heart condition worsened and after almost 3 months in and out of the hospital, she passed in January 2006.

She had given me life at birth and by me giving her my kidney, I provided her with 8 more years of life to spend together. The last time my Mom was sick, I had promised her that I would bring her home and I have. You could say I had my chance to be a nurse by taking care of my Mom.

-Susan E. Snyder
Oswego, IL

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05/12/08, Submitted by -Amanda Chicago, IL

"Why?" is the question that I got most often. At 21, donating a kidney to someone you've never even met isn't really the norm. But then again, even at that age, neither was I. For under the blue hair, tattoos and crazy antics, there is a girl that most people never get to know- there is the youngest recorded, non-direct kidney donor.

"Why?" they asked. And I told them.

"Because."

Because it's the right thing to do. Because I would want someone to do it for me. And more- because if you needed it, I would want someone to do it for you. Because- think of the recipient- how it will change their life and the family and friends who will get their loved one back. Think of the opportunity I have to make manifest my beliefs, to make my ideals into reality, to live up to the expectations I have created for myself. Because this is the best way to be the best person I know how to be. Think of how it will change my life too. Isn't that reason enough?

Isn't that the best reason?

So I went ahead, without the support of my family or friends, with only the physicians approval to lead me and an unknown recipient at my side- and I donated that kidney anyway. Call me rebellious, I guess. But what did you expect from someone with a rainbow colored mohawk and body piercings?

Because.

Because what you should expect- is that I will give you a second chance now to change your mind about what you think of the 'freak' walking down the street. I will give you a second chance to reconsider who might be the one that saved/changed your life or the life of someone you know and love. And what you should expect most- is that I will never hesitate to tell you that it was one of the best things I have ever done and would do it again in a heartbeat.

And maybe you can't pull off a green mullet like I can, but you can be an organ donor. You can join me in my campaign to teach and heal others. And it's easy- you can register with Donate Life Illinois and help others in need when you've passed on! Why?

Because.

Organ donation is the cool thing to do.

-Amanda

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03/071/08, Submitted by - Jennie B. O’Fallon, IL

“Lefty the Lifesaver”

A little over twelve years ago, my aunt was admitted to the hospital because both of her kidneys had mysteriously shut down. Her creatine levels were through the roof, and doctors were telling her it was a miracle that she was still alive. Luckily, through steroids and chemotherapy, the doctors were able to “kick start” one of her kidneys back into working. And it worked well until three years ago when it began to slowly shut down again. They told her she needed a kidney transplant, and needed it soon.

My mother (her sister) tested to be a live donor. She was a match, but not a very good one and she was over 50 and not in the best of health. So I tested, and it turned out that I was a better match than my mother! I still remember where I was when I got the news that I was a match. I was so happy that I cried.

The surgery took place on March 20, 2006 at Lahey Clinic, just outside of Boston (where my aunt lives, she was too sick to travel to Illinois). Despite some pretty severe complications that arose during and after the surgery, my aunt is now living a full life, working, traveling and knitting to her heart’s desire. Every few months, I get “visitation rights” with Lefty (the original name we gave my left kidney that now resides in her right hip).

I believe in organ donation as a way to help someone out. This is something huge that they cannot do on their own. If I had not been a match for my aunt, then she may have been on the transplant waiting list for much longer than she was. She may not have lived long enough to meet her great-nieces and nephews that are sure to come in the next few years. But, I’d like to believe that if I had not been a match, that perhaps someone out there would have signed up for the state's donor registry and have helped save her life. That person could be you. Please register today.

- Jennie B.
O’Fallon, IL

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02/11/08, Submitted by Layne Gillete, Rock Falls, IL

Phyllis Sellers had a passion for God, golf, painting, gardening, and life on the river. All of these passions came second to the love she had for her family. In 1997 Phyllis became ill. She spent 4 months in the hospital and her frame at 5’5 whittled down to 86lbs. She underwent a quadruple bypass on her heart which was an unsuccessful procedure. She was then placed on the heart transplant list. Three weeks later she received a heart from an 18 year-old male that sustained a head/brain injury. She then spent a month in rehabilitation to learn simple tasks like learning to walk again.

By the next summer Phyllis was playing golf in a benefit tournament for her friend Linda, another transplant recipient that unfortunately was not a survivor. Phyllis struggled with the side effects of her medicines and routine biopsies which always had positive results. In 2005 Phyllis was diagnosed with a muscle degeneration disease and was hospitalized for months and the doctors were not optimistic about her survival. She somehow pulled through this disease but it had taken a toll on her body. She started to steadily decline after that. Her kidney’s started shutting down and her liver was damaged.

In January of 2006 the doctors found a spot on her lung which turned out to be cancer. They removed part of her lung. At the same time her kidneys began shutting down to 15% productivity. While preparing for kidney dialysis the doctors found more cancer in her lungs and diagnosed her with lung cancer in June 2007. After the bleak options the doctors gave, Phyllis chose to let nature take its course. On July 5, 2007 Phyllis Sellers passed away from kidney failure in her home.

Phyllis Sellers was my grandmother. I took care of her full for two months before her passing in July. Up until the very end she was always positive and full of love. She was always more concerned with how everyone else was doing. She had more love to give than anyone I have ever known. Through all of her struggles in life she was always the pillar of strength for our family. She was a survivor and said that she had always held on for my grandfather and our family. She loved life and always tried to live it to the fullest.

My grandfather became involved with a few friends to create a foundation in 1998 to raise money for transplant patients and medical research and education. It is through this foundation in which Phyllis shared her story and helped create awareness for the necessity of the organ transplant cause. She said it gave her 11 more years of her life that she got to share with her loving husband, children and grandchildren. She was a remarkable woman who is a true role model and survivor. She is greatly missed by all who knew her.

- Layne Gillete
Rock Falls, IL

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I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) and told that a heart transplant was the only option in September of 2006. I had to go on disability and move in with my parents as I was unable to live alone because of my condition. I tried going on a strict low sodium diet and exercise and improved for a while but it was only temporary. After being hospitalized for the month of April, I was sent to Chicago on May 3, 2007. I was hooked up to an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) immediately and then put on the transplant list on May 30.

I waited the first month as a transplant patient and never received any news. I was waiting at a hotel with family members taking turns staying with me as I could not be left alone due to the complications that could arise with the equipment they had installed in me. I finally improved and strengthened to the point that I was allowed to finally go home to continue waiting at home for the heart to arrive.

I had almost given up hope of ever receiving a new heart when at 3:30 on Sept. 4, 2007 the call finally came in. It was my heart and we immediately flew by jet back to Chicago to receive the best gift ever. This experience has changed my life completely and given me back all the dreams that I felt I had to give up. I am back in college now and spending all my free time with my daughter. Thanks to a strangers gift, she has her dad back.

God bless my donor and his family for caring enough to give to another. He will always be in my heart.

11/30/07, Submitted by Emily Steffen, Woodridge, IL

In March 2007, my sixteen year old brother, David, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow stops producing white and red blood cells and platelets. The doctors told our family that we had two options to treat David. The better of the two was to find a bone marrow donor. My family would be tested first and if no related match was found then we would go to the bone marrow registry. If a match was still not found, then he would have to be treated with medication. My sister and I were the two most likely matches, so we went in for blood tests first. A few days after the test, the doctor called with the results and I was found to be a 100% match.

About a week before the transplant, David went through a low dose of chemotherapy conditioning. On April 18th the doctors took marrow out of my hip bone and David received it later that evening. During the next few weeks his blood counts began increasing and he was able to come home in time for Mother’s Day. He was heavily restricted on what he could do when he came home, but as his blood counts increase he is able to do more.

The likelihood of my sister or I being a match was very small. If neither of us were able to donate, we would have had to rely on the bone marrow registry to find a match. Please take a minute or two to re-register as an organ and tissue donor and give someone else the opportunity to live and yourself the opportunity to save a life.

- Emily Steffen

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11/12/07, Submitted by Hannah Meacham, Rockford, IL

Just over a year ago, shortly before my eighteenth birthday, my life changed forever. I was working my dream summer job as a lifeguard at a local water park and getting ready to start my senior year of high school. I was starting the application process for college and celebrating my birthday. I should have been really happy. I wasn’t though, as I was getting sick all the time, fainting, and always tired. My supervisor sent me home after work one day, instructing me not to come back until I had seen a doctor. That’s when all the trouble started.

My family has a history of kidney disease and my aunt, dad and brother have all been affected my it. In the summer of 2007, kidney disease personally became a part of my life. After a long set of tests and procedures I found out that I have chronic kidney disease, which means that due to my kidneys being very small, they are only functioning at a combined rate of 50%. I will eventually need a kidney transplant and dialysis. My life has changed a lot because of my kidney disease. I frequently get sick and have missed a lot of school because of it. I have to regulate my diet and be careful to choose healthy practices to make sure that the rest of my body is stable. That is the first reason I am a organ donor… because someday someone could provide me with a kidney or alternatively, I may be able to help someone else out as a donor. My aunt has had a kidney transplant and is now celebrating 26 years after her transplant of healthy living.

The other reason I am a donor is because this past February my best friend’s dad was driving to work when the drunk driver of a car ran a stop sign and killed him. He was an organ donor and because his selfless act, someone else was able to keep living. Simply put, I am a donor because I realize the impact organ donation can have on someone’s life.

-Hannah
Rockford, IL

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10/09/07, Submitted by Jackie Stillmaker., Galesburg, IL

I am Jackie Stillmaker and I am honored to share with you my gratitude to all the donor families as well as to your loved ones, the true heroes, who physically are not here, but will always be in our hearts and the lives of others. I am a three-time corneal transplant recipient. I swam with my contact lenses and got an infection called Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

This infection left me blind in my left eye for three years. I was only 14 years old at the time, entering my freshman year of high school. I battled for my eyesight throughout high school. I’m currently a freshman at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. I can finally see the world from two eyes again only because of the wonders of donation. There is not a kinder act a person can do than give yourself to save or better someone’s life.

My corneal surgeon, Dr. Epstein, performed all three transplants. Without the gift of donation and great doctors, I would be blind in my left eye for the rest of my life. At one point during my infection I was not even able to see two fingers directly in front of my eye. The only vision I had was the ability to see motion. Now I am able to see out of two eyes and I have never been so thankful.

As a basketball player, adjusting to play with one eye was very difficult and sometimes even seemed impossible. However, I never gave up my passion for the the game and continued to try my hardest throughout my four years of basketball. Finally, when my vision was restored I felt like a whole new person and most of all…I felt normal. Though I received my eyesight back, I dealt with many different health issues for my senior year that disabled me from playing basketball for my last and final year.

Due to the medicines I was taking my senior year, I developed Avascular Necrosis in all my ball and socket joints. Simply put, Avascular Necrosis is a deterioration of your bone joints; I have had surgery on both my shoulders as well as both my hips. The necrosis is still present, however, the aching pain in my joints has subsided. The next surgery I would need if the pain persists would require a bone graft from a donor.

As you can see I am extremely grateful to donors and their families to allow me to live a normal life again. I never once expressed any pity on myself and am thankful for the kindness people gave me in restoring my sight and making me live comfortably without pain. I speak on behalf of all corneal transplant recipients that we are deeply grateful for this gift of sight because of your loved one’s quiet and humble gesture to help us see again. Without donors, I would not be standing here today in front of all you amazing people who spread your love to the world by such a simple yet beautiful act as tissue and organ donation; may your loved one’s gift be an inspiration to all. Thank you.

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10/08/07, Submitted by Michael Nance., South Beloit, IL

This is about my wife, Susan Nance, a good human being who cared about other human beings. She died a needless death, but this is not about her death. God put her in my life for 31 years. I watched her do many good things and give good gifts. This is about her last gift and act of charity to people she will never meet or know.

Sue was selfless. It was with much humility, I have to say, that I now try to live my life as she had shown me by example. Sue never did anything for recognition. She did things for others because it made her feel good. There was always something special on her face and in her eyes as she would tell me of her experience helping someone.

On June 5, 2007 I found myself making two decisions I never thought I would have to make. Neither of them came easy. It was only that we had taken the time to talk to each other several times about the “if evers” that I knew her wishes.

When the doctor told me that she was brain dead, I heard myself say, “You may call the time of death.” Though every part of me did not want to say these words, it was my knowledge of her love and trust in me to carry out her wishes that I said those words.

Perhaps due to the circumstances of my wife’s death, I was approached about donation. Because I loved her, she stated her wishes on multiple occasions and just because of who she had been in her life, I could agree with her choice to say yes to donation. She said yes to the organ donation because she loved people!

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09/12/07, Submitted by Nicole., Naperville, IL

Although I cannot say that I have experienced the need for or the result of organ donation or a lifesaving transplant firsthand, I can say that the issue has always been one that is close to my heart.

I never quite understood why my passion for this issue has ran so deep... until October 2005.

During that month, a close family friend, who, one might even say was like an extended family member, was the victim of a surreal accident which claimed her life. This woman was a registered donor whose six organs, two corneas, and various tissues were able to be successfully transplanted.

Because of the close relationship I have with this family, in the weeks and months immediately following, I was able to bear witness to the extreme heartache this death produced. The coping process, however, was eased as many of the family members (including siblings and parents) would attest with the knowledge that their family member was able to help so many in need.

A few siblings indicated the comfort which was provided during the transplant period at the hospital; of how they felt a devastating void yet simultaneously found it reassuring to hear the landings and departures of the helicopters they knew were preserving a physical part of their sister.

After a few months, letters of gratitude from recipients began arriving to the family. Two such letters chronicled how after years of waiting on the national transplant list, these recipients were released to their homes and were now enjoying new and active lifestyles.

Through these letters and the stories they share, I have also been able to witness the powerful transformation yielded by the grieving process within the family.

As this woman’s father, an 85-year-old man notes, “These two recipient stories have definitely taken the sadness away from my daughter’s death.”

Make a difference in someone else's life...register to be an organ/tissue donor.

-Nicole
President - North Central College, Students for Organ Donation chapter
Naperville, Ill.

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September 15, 1998 – It was a normal school day, but this particular day seemed much longer than the rest because I wasn’t feeling that great. Throughout the week, I didn’t have an appetite and knew that something was wrong, but I figured it would get better as the day progressed. Later that evening I got really sick but figured it was just the flu. As the night progressed, I could not stop getting sick and started to turn yellow.

It quickly became the scariest night of my life when I rushed to the hospital and doctors came in my room to tell my parents that I would need a liver transplant. Before I could even be placed on the transplant waiting list, I had to go through a series of 50 different tests to make sure my body was able to have a foreign organ placed in it. However after all of the tests, I was very blessed to receive a liver transplant within 24 hours.

After surgery, all of my vitamins and nutrients were fed to me through my IV. I was taking 40 pills per day, so I ate a lot of Jello, since it was difficult to keep anything down. I had a dietician come to my room everyday to give me health shakes which had all the vitamins and minerals for my diet and was supposed to help my weight and muscle mass loss of 40 pounds.

There were so many times that I tried to stay strong, but it was so hard. It felt like I had become a frightened child who is afraid of the dark. I guess I was sort of in the dark because I did not know what was going to happen to me. I can think of so many other people more deserving of this than me. I was very honored; what a memory.

Organ donation continues to play a huge role in my life! This is why I consider all registered organ donors heroes!!!

-Jen
Bolingbrook, Ill.

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6/22/07, Submitted by Diane Bosley, Machesney Park

Eleven years ago my husband Jeremy was killed in an automobile accident just two weeks prior to our third wedding anniversary. That night, someone from the hospital called to ask if I wanted to consider eye and tissue donation. Having never discussed the issue with Jeremy, and without sufficient knowledge to make an informed decision, I initially declined. After talking with the coroner, I decided to reconsider.  I began to think about the kind of person Jeremy was and that he would have wanted to become a donor.  I consented to the donation of Jeremy's corneas and other tissue, including heart valves, bone and skin.

When I received a letter telling me about the people who benefited from Jeremy's gifts, it was such a consolation. The fact that he continued to help people in death also helped me come to terms with my loss. After Jeremy's death, myself and other family members signed [up to become organ/tissue donors]. If people aren't asked, they rarely consider the option of eye, organ and tissue donation. I believe it is so important for people to be made aware of what a gift they can give to someone else by [registering as donors] and letting family members know how they feel. I know Jeremy still lives on in other people and that means more than I can say.

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6/22/07, Submitted by Kevin Lamb, Round Lake

In August 2001, shortly after I met my fiancee, I ended up in end-stage kidney failure due to kidney stone issues. Dialysis was the only option until I could be placed on the transplant list. I accepted that I would probably be on dialysis for quite a while. They told me five to eight years.

I did well on dialysis for the first three years. When things took a turn for the worse, I went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital to be put on the transplant list. While I was getting the work-up, my fiancee decided to be tested as a live donor...secretively.

One day, a call came in from the hospital, and she stayed on the phone quite a while. She hung up and told me that she was a match, and that we needed to set a date for surgery.

April 2, 2007, would be my new birthday. We arrived at the hospital at 7 a.m., and by 9 a.m., my fiancee was getting her left kidney removed. By 10 a.m., I was being wheeled back to receive my new kidney.

The next time I was coherent was at 10 that night, when my fiancee walked in the room...WALKED. I was so amazed that someone could donate and be well enough to walk 12 hours later. She was discharged by noon the following day. I stayed for three days. Today, my mind is clearer, my skin is better, my color is normal, I am not grouchy. The difference is night and day.

My fiancee and I will be wed Aug. 12. I will be able to walk down the aisle with her... something I thought one month ago I would never see.

I owe my wife my life, without a doubt. It’s an even trade I figure. I got her kidney; she had my heart from the start.

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6/15/07, submitted by Jack Hurley, Mount Greenwood

My name is Jack Hurley. I am 55 years of age, born, raised, and will be buried on the south side of Chicago. I grew up two blocks away from where I live now. I have been married to Eileen for 25 years. Eileen and I have three children: Jackie, age 23; Melissa, age 19; and John Jr., age 14. I was a Chicago police officer for 34 years, but I was forced to retire as a result of my illness, a decision I thoroughly agreed with.My shortness of breath led to a diagnosis of Intersitial Pulmonary Fibrosis in January of 2004. December of 2004 tests for transplant revealed a 95% blockage of the “Widow Maker.” On February 11, 2005, I was placed on United Network for Organ Sharing’s (UNOS) waiting list.June 21, 2005…I was at the lake where my family has a little place. I was on 15 liters of O2 and barely able to breathe. I was showing Eileen how to take care of our two small boats. This had been my job, and there was no reason to show Eileen or the kids how to do it because I would always be there. But as of that day, even I was forced to admit to myself, and myself only, that I was slowly, but most certainly, running out of time. It struck me after a short while that what I was doing was saying goodbye, to my little trailer, to my beloved old boats. I was thinking that soon I would be saying goodbye to my loved ones.Driving home from the lake, I was breathing really hard and saying very little. I was praying a little, and I was really, really trying to remain calm. There is a time to have your game face on and a time to seek assistance, but there is never a time for surrender or caving in. Never.When I got home, I received a call from Jennifer Wood, Lung Transplant Coordinator for Loyola Hospital. Jennifer said that they had a lung, and that she wanted me in the hospital as soon as I could, and to be careful. Eileen came into view and I was a kid again. I stood up and said “Time to go, kid.” We called Melissa and John into the room, and they knew what was up. Melissa’s eyes looked like twin Lake Michigans- very green and very wet. I kissed them and hugged them, and then I got the heck out of there.At the hospital, I talked deeply to Eileen- keeping it upbeat. But after some time I had to tell her what she meant to me. If you see me, then you see Eileen. If you see Eileen, then you see me. She is my pal and I adore her. It was really love at first sight, and more than twenty years later, that love remained. I spoke that way right in front of the doctors and nurses. There would be no other chance, perhaps. The time was now, and then I was quiet. I wondered who died to save me. What made them be so wonderful, why was I so lucky, so blessed? Then, as I contemplated those things in that quiet place, all hell broke loose. I heard someone call out “It’s a go!” and off I went. My last words to Eileen were, “I was never boring, was I?”As I was wheeled into the operating room, I was surrounded by smiling faces. I said, “Did everyone bring their A game tonight?” Everyone responded in the affirmative and I was knocked out.I came to about ten or twelve hours later. I had to think hard, “Did they do it? Was the lung bad? Or did something else happen?” A nurse appeared. She said, “You did great Mr. Hurley! You’re all set!” I was overwhelmed. This was going to work!There is no telling how many people were saved, or their lives improved by this brave and wonderful donor. She has a space in my heart, and a place in my prayers. A wife got her husband back, three really wonderful kids got Dad back, and friends got their friend back. I’m alive thanks to the transplant, my donor, my medics, and my family. I received my gift of hope, and for that, I am forever thankful.I will spend Father’s Day with Eileen, Jackie, Melissa, and John. We will have a great time. The kids will start to tell Dad and Mom stories, always the same stories, always just as funny. It will be a very good day. They are all good days.-Jack Hurley
Mt. Greenwood, Ill.

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5/2/07, submitted by Nicole H., Illinois

“I can’t do it, Mom. I’m not going to school anymore,” I told her. As I spoke, tears streamed down my face and soaked the collar of my hooded sweatshirt.She understood what I had said, and, seeing that I was crying, offered no protest. I never cried, and I am sure that the sight of my tears crippled her. After she departed, I climbed back into my pajamas, lay down on the couch, and fell asleep.The months that followed are now a blur, but I know that my health was not getting any better—if anything, it was getting worse. I made frequent trips to the hospital to be evaluated by my doctors. I tried to stay positive, but the results never improved. My blood level was declining and my liver numbers were rising. I spent so much time at the hospital receiving blood transfusions that I stopped unpacking my bag. While there, I underwent a myriad of tests and, although they were initially unnerving, I quickly became accustomed to them.On August 8th 2001, I finally received the liver transplant that saved my life. Although I was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease, when I was born, I did not need the transplant until I was 17. The year preceding the operation was the most challenging time in my life.I will never be able to properly thank my doctors and nurses at Children’s Memorial Hospital or the donor family for saving my life.Nevertheless, I continue to promote organ donation to make them proud. I have cherished my second chance, and want to encourage all eligible Illinois residents to donate life and make sure you’ve re-registered in Illinois' new registry. Together, we can give thousands of worthy children their second chances.

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4/24/07, submitted by Eileen McLaughlin, Chicago

Many 5-year-olds ask Santa for a new bike or a video game. My son Thomas asked Santa to help his dad. Thomas’ dad, and my husband, Warren had endured six years of illness prior to Santa coming through with flying colors. November 27, 2005 was the day when Warren got a new life in the form of a liver transplant. No longer on his deathbed, for a year and a half he was doing unbelievably well. Unfortunately, just before Christmas 2006, Warren fell ill once again. The liver was functioning wonderfully and the doctors were baffled. It turns out that he had lung cancer. On January 11, 2007 Warren passed away in my arms. He was at home. Though we were understandably heartbroken, Thomas and I are extremely grateful for the extra time the liver transplant afforded our family. The little things in life took on new meaning. We took walks together, holding hands, talking, having fun and loving one another all over again. We hope everyone will consider becoming a donor so that another family may receive that same second chance.

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4/24/07, submitted by Margrette Sanders, Hazel Crest

Four children. Ten grandchildren. Five great-grandchildren. And a husband of 48 years. My mother would have left a really large legacy behind, but I’m not ready to let her to do just yet. On May 21, 2007, I will happily donate to her a kidney. When I enlisted in the military, she was there when I wanted to give up. When my first child was born, she was there. When I went through a bad divorce, she was there telling me to come back home to Chicago. When I thought I couldn’t find a new job, she was there telling me to never lose faith. She was right, and because of my mother I’m a peace officer. Because of my mother, I never stopped trying. The decision to be a donor was an easy one for me, but not for her. True to her character, Mom tried to refuse but I wouldn’t hear of it. It was now my turn to be there for her.

I’m going to go through a little so I can give her a lot. I hope everyone will consider becoming a donor so – maybe – one day you can do the same.

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4/20/07, submitted by Debra Baxter, East Peoria

This May I will celebrate my 10-year kidney transplant anniversary. It’s awe-inspiring to know that a person I’d never met and would never meet was responsible. Such anonymous generosity is heartwarming. After 20 years of type 1 diabetes, my kidneys failed. For nearly three years I was on dialysis, and that’s where I found myself when the call came in telling me I’d be receiving a new kidney. I nearly jumped out of my chair! I restrained myself and completed my last five minutes of treatment, all the while the nurses and I celebrated. It was like winning the lottery, only all the better because I’d received the gift of life.Prior to the donation, I was nearing a point where I’d no longer be able to work even part-time. With a new kidney I was now fit to work full-time. I have since returned to living a normal life and am proud to be a registered donor. Your registration could save a life and give someone else the same second chance that I was afforded.

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4/11/07, submitted by Mallory Devens, Eastern Illinois University

I feel the Donate Life Illinois campaign is a wonderful way to get the word out about saving lives. I am a strong supporter of organ donation. Before my brother passed away in 2003 from a car accident, organ donation did not cross my mind and I would not have felt so strongly about others donating. My brother was an organ donor, but at that time, my parents had to provide additional consent to recover his organs in order to save other people’s lives. I am so happy that other people are living as a result of my brother’s generosity for saving other people’s lives. Although my brother is no longer physically with my family, the healing process has been aided by knowing he has saved so many lives. Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network sent a letter to our house explaining the organs that were recovered and who received these precious gifts (names were not revealed in the letter for confidentiality purposes). Through Gift of Hope, our family was able to meet the recipient of my brother’s pancreas. My mother has also spoken with the man who received my brother’s heart – the man was quick to remark that he could tell my brother was a Marine and a stellar athlete. Knowing other people’s lives can go on because as a result of my brother donating his organs makes me feel better about this tragedy. It’s quite amazing that the recipients have been given a second chance at life. Representatives of the Donate Life Illinois campaign recently came to my University’s Panhellenic Council meeting to talk about the state’s new registry and the need to re-register. Eastern Illinois University sororities are helping out with the campus campaign by working hard to register fellow students in the new registry!

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4/05/07, submitted by Becca K., Stillman Valley

I am…a living liver donor.
I am…a mom to the recipient of part of my liver.
I am…a registered organ donor.

I am…are you?

On February 9, 2005 my daughter Natalie received a new (but slightly used) portion of my liver. Natalie needed a new liver because she was born with biliary atresia . It is a progressive disease that over time damaged her liver - a pediatric liver disease with no known cause or cure. Before her transplant, Natalie had many complications of end stage liver disease including: jaundice, portal vein hypertension, ascites, and she had reoccurring infections of Cholangitis. In November of 2004, Natalie was added to the national transplant waiting list.  It was shortly after that I was tested and in February of 2005 Natalie received the gift of life for a second time from me.Following this lifesaving transplant, she had her share of complications.  Not only did an artery clot, she also experienced issues of rejection, developed PTLD, and developed hemolytic anemia.  She also has had reoccurring bile duct issues, which have resulted in her having to keep a PTC drain in place. These current issues stem from damage that was done to the new liver when the hepatic artery clotted. She has been relisted for another, a second, liver transplant.Will you be the one to save her life this time?-

Becca K.
Stillman Valley
www.nataliebear.com

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3/29/07, submitted by Joy Lippo, Round Lake

Little did our family know that when our son Kyle was born, he had an enlarged brain vessel. My son passed away in September 2003 at the age of 12, due to an enlarged brain vessel that burst while playing sports. During the course of funeral planning and our own mourning, we were contacted to donate his eyes. We did so, and in doing this we found out that this donation helped two others to see.In looking back, I only wish that our family was able to donate more, and strongly encourage all to register because there are so many people in need of our help and support.

My husband and I are registered as organ/tissue donors and have also encouraged our children to become donors when they become of age.

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03/27/07, submitted by Vadim L., Chicago

On a beautiful 2004 summer day, I found out the horrible news that mymother was added to the LONG organ national waiting list of over 95,000 American people.At Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago, my mother was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder which meant her own immune system was destroying her liver and kidneys. As hercondition deteriorated and her organs started failing, she was slowly dying and eventually fell into an induced coma. The doctors told my family thatmy mother would not survive the disease. It was incredibly difficult to visit my mother every day as she progressed toward the inevitable.After about a month on the waiting list, my family finally received the phone call that the organs for my mother's transplant were on their way to the hospital. After the ten hour transplant surgery, my mother's health returned back to normal...all due to someone who decided to register as an organ donor.Read the rest of Vadim’s story!Post a comment about this story

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1/23/07, submitted by Beth Y., Chicago

About six years ago, a close friend of mine, Jill, was hit by a car. After three days in a coma, she passed away at the age of 31. She had signed the back of her driver’s license declaring she wanted to be an organ donor, and I knew this was important to her. But when the time came to donate shortly after her death, some members of her family decided they felt uncomfortable with it. Emotional, grief-fueled arguments about whether or not to donate her organs ensued between various family members and friends, and the small window of time in which organs are can be recovered within the body elapsed. Jill died believing her organs would go on to save other lives, but since the signature on the back of the driver’s license was non-binding and could be trumped by family veto -- or in her case, family indecision -- her organs did not get passed on.I decided I would never let this happen to me, so in honor of Jill, as well as the more than 94,000 people desperate for transplants, I went online and took the 30 seconds to re-register as an indisputable organ donor. Really, the new system makes it so quick and easy. And I have such peace of mind knowing that my passing could so effortlessly mean an amazing gift of life for someone else.

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1/22/07, submitted by Anne Gulotta, Barrington

Organ and tissue donation has changed my life. I lost my husband tragically over four years ago. He committed suicide one week after his 47th birthday, and my kids and I were left with the decision to donate. We said "YES" to donation, because we felt it was the right thing to do. Jay was able to donate his heart, kidneys, eyes, liver cells and tissue. I don't think that I fully understood what donation was all about until I received letters from one of his recipients. Julie was the recipient of Jay's left kidney. She suffers from diabetes, and would have died without the transplant. I met Julie over a year ago, and she and I have become very close. Jay is a hero to Julie, and she calls me her "Gift of Hope."  

Life is so precious, but when we lose it, it’s comforting to know that other lives can be saved. Jay had a big heart and a kind soul. He gave of himself unconditionally. His time here on earth was short, but now my kids and I can remember him not as a man who took his own life but gave life to others. I lie in bed at night, and I listen to my heart beat. I realize that someone else’s heart once beat as a result of Jay’s donation. My life has changed and for the better. I can touch lives, and open minds and hearts, by sharing my story and passion with others. There is no greater gift.

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1/22/07, submitted by Aimee Z.,Chicago

If telling my story helps to get one more person to sign up to be an organ donor, then I feel fulfilled.At a year and a half I was diagnosed with cancer, stage three. Although the doctors gave me little hope, I fought hard and beat it! The chemotherapy drugs I took were experimental at the time, and weakened my heart muscle. I was able to do anything any other kid could do, until I was 14 years old.My mom noticed while I was sitting on the couch watching tv, I was out of breath. After extensive testing, I found out I would need a heart transplant to be able to live past my next birthday. I waited three long months for a heart, in which time I became very sick, and for the second time in my life…the doctors game me little hope to survive long enough to wait for my heart.

Click here to read what happened next for Aimee and her family. 

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1/19/07, submitted by Shelly Pfaff, Morris

I have been a registered organ donor since I was 18 years old. It wasn’t until four years ago when I fell in love with my husband that I really understood how important it was. I met my husband while he was on dialysis waiting for a transplant. He had waited for a total of four years to get the call that changed our life. Because of the generosity of a young man from Montana, my husband now lives a normal life. Tim doesn’t have to spend 15 hours a week at the dialysis unit and another 15 hours a week being sick from the dialysis. He has energy and can eat a normal diet. My husband and I can spend time traveling, shopping, walking, bike-riding, and motorcycling. We couldn’t do all of this on our own free will when he was on dialysis because of the schedule he had to keep or because he was feeling too sick. I wish I knew the family from Montana so I could personally thank them. Their gift means more to us than they could ever imagine.

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1/18/07, submitted by Chris L., Chicago

I signed up to be an organ donor because it’s the right thing to do. Plain and simple. People need help all the time, and it’s good to know that I might someday lend a gift that literally saves someone’s life.

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1/15/07, submitted by Aggie Wendel, Martinton

I am 57-year-old woman who believes that she has a worthwhile story to share. About 15 years ago, I made the decision to go back to school. I enrolled in a local junior college to "get my feet wet,” so to speak. One of the classes I chose as an elective was "Death and Dying.” That semester, we were introduced to organ donation. I began to think about life, death, immortality and the basic need for "hope.” I thought about everything I had learned and decided that if I claimed nothing else from my existence here on Earth, what a great thing to know that in death I would be able to give someone else hope. It was all about seizing the opportunity to provide someone else with an extra day, month, or even years of life with their loved ones. I knew that God surely had a hand in all of this, so my decision was an easy one. I was elated as I shared the news of my decision with my oldest daughter. Unfortunately, she did not share my enthusiasm. She questioned what would be done with my body parts and how could I be sure that things would be handled in a respectful and appropriate manner. Ironically, years later, Kim became part of the Gift of Hope family and is now the manager for public relations and donor family services. God and I still share a giggle about that one.[Editor’s note: Always listen to your mother! Mom felt very strongly about this, and continued to periodically talk to me, my brother and sisters about her wishes to donate. Being exposed to her commitment and later learning how donation works—that it is indeed a respectful process and that the family remains involved and fully informed—changed my mind. I’ve since found that many people have the same concerns I once had, which keep them from registering. If you know someone like that, please help educate them on how it all works—there’s information at www.giftofhope.org and www.mts-stl.org.]

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1/12/07, submitted by Rebecca S., Chicago

I didn’t even think twice about saying yes when asked to register as an organ donor. It’s so easy to take our own health for granted; however, we all know that not everyone is so fortunate. Though it took virtually no effort on my behalf, I know that the potential positive impact of my registering will affect countless others. I’m encouraging my family and friends to make sure they are registered organ donors as well—we all agree that this is too important to put off till tomorrow—register today!

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1/12/07, submitted by Margarite W., Chicago

Like most people, I’ll often find myself bombarded with charitable requests and have to decide where to put my money and time. But registering as an organ donor is different. I can’t think of another thing that will have such an impact on other people’s lives, yet is so simple. In my mind, there really isn’t any reason not to do it. It may sound trite, but we are all connected and dependent on each other. Maybe you don’t have a friend or family member waiting for an organ transplant. But someone does.

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1/8/07, submitted by Margaret Kaspars, Downers Grove

Only one year ago, I was preparing for end-stage renal disease and about to begin hemodialysis.  This was during my winter break from teaching, and the approaching New Year was looking bleak.  Although I had years to prepare for this event, I still found it difficult to face.I had been living with chronic kidney disease for about seven years. I have polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which is a genetic disorder that ultimately leads to kidney failure. I always knew there was a chance that I could have PKD because my mother also had this disease. After being on the transplant waiting list for one year and before starting dialysis, I was informed that my transplant team had a kidney for me. I knew that only a successful transplant could offer me the chance to live a normal life again.  Thankfully, the transplant was a success, and I suffered no complications. Although I will always be grateful for the incredible gift I have been given, this experience will remain bittersweet in my memory. Someone lost his life in order for me to receive a kidney and a second chance at life. I don’t know anything about the donor’s family. But, I am certain, the people who made the courageous decision to donate life during the most tragic time in their lives must be incredibly loving and generous people. They chose to give the gift of life, and for that I am truly grateful.

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1/7/07, submitted by Mary Jane Bollinger, Woodridge

In October 1998, I was gifted with a liver through transplantation. I am most grateful to my donor and donor family for believing in the importance of organ and tissue donation.One way I “give back” in appreciation for my gift of life is to write my donor family a note of thanks each year near the anniversary of my transplant. I also volunteer my time to Organ Transplant Support, Inc., based in Naperville, and at this time I am president pro tem.

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1/4/ 07, submitted by Carol M. Schick, Morton

I received a kidney transplant nine years ago from a donor whose family I have yet to meet. My transplant helped me finish raising two children and be there for them as they got married, and will hopefully allow me to enjoy grandchildren in the future. I was once weak, sick and dependant on dialysis. Today I am healthy, working outside the home, and volunteering to spread the word about organ and tissue donation. I encourage anyone who has not done so to sign up to be an organ and tissue donor. "Don't take your organs to heaven; heaven knows we need them here."

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1/1/07, submitted by Deborah Kay Ramsey, Zion

Let me tell you about who I am. I am a single mom of currently four beautiful children. I say currently because I am a licensed foster parent, and more than 12 children have been entrusted to my care over the years. I own and operate a family business, a small feed store that services our community with seed, feed and pet supply needs. I am a published author where one of my stories can be found in the book Chicken Soup for the Working Woman's Soul. I work part-time at a health club, and I own a four-unit apartment building with its many demands. Last summer I competed in the U.S. Transplant Games and won a silver medal in the 50-meter butterfly. These accomplishments don't include the countless church ministries and community volunteer positions I've thrown myself into. Why am I being such a braggart? Let me now tell you what I'm not.I am no longer on kidney dialysis three times a week. I no longer have to take one or two naps a day just to keep up with the housework or ANY work. I'm not nauseous after eating. I'm not depressed about my physical condition. For the past 22 years since my kidney transplant, I can make plans without including my dialysis schedule or wondering if I'll be "up to it." Thanks to someone saying "yes" to organ donation, I am alive and well and ready to meet the next challenge or adventure that God sends my way. Be an organ donor!

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12/31/06, submitted by Tim & Deb Joos, St. Charles

Remembering Sunshine

We discussed organ & tissue donation the second she got her driver’s license. She definitely wanted to be a donor. Her willingness to share her organs and tissues was an example of her generosity. Samantha Joos was killed in a car accident on her way to school during a heavy rainstorm in November 2003. She lost control of her car, spun into oncoming traffic, and was hit head-on by a semi trailer truck. She was 17 years, nine-and-half months old, and a senior in high school when she died.Sam, you are very generous. We were able to carry out your wishes, and you were a tissue donor. You saved and improved the lives of others by donating heart valves, spine, bone, and other tissues. Another person’s life was saved because they received a heart valve replacement, thanks to you. We miss you, Sunshine, and we will always love you. Mom & Dad

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12/29/07, submitted by Heather Roethemeyer, Champaign

She was perfect, with ten fingers and toes, and little curls of red hair. Her tiny face radiated heavenly energy. She was the perfect baby girl. Shortly after the baby was born, her mother saw something that scared her. The baby wasn’t crying. Kameryn’s doctors did many tests. They told Kami’s parents that she had non-ketotic hyperglycinemia. She would not survive. Family and friends came. Everyone held her. Everyone loved her. But no one could save her. Kami’s parents wouldn’t leave her.  There was always a new shift of family and friends coming to support them. Kami was declining, but at her own speed. She would coo and nuzzle into the arms of those who loved her. She never cried, never fussed. It was as though she had come here knowing her time would be brief.  Her parents decided they wanted to donate her heart to help another family be spared their own  loss. Early one morning, as the sun began to rise, 24 days after Kameryn was born, she died quietly and at peace with her parents by her side. Her tiny heart was taken so that other children might live. Her parents thanked God for their brief time with Kami. Friends, family, and all of us who knew Kami had the privilege of experiencing her parents’ strength and generosity, and were blessed by the experience. Kameryn was the perfect baby girl!

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12/24/06, submitted by Leonard G. Bobbitt, East Peoria

I made the decision to register as an organ donor about ten years ago. My sister needed a heart transplant. Someone graciously gave her the gift of life. Years later, her kidneys failed.  She was facing dialysis and another life of waiting, anticipation and despair. I learned much more about organ transplantion than I ever thought I would know. After many deep and heartfelt discussions with my wife, daughters and my sister, I was sure I knew what to do. It was my turn to give the gift of life. My offer of a new kidney meant she would not go through dialysis and perhaps years of hoping and waiting.I don't even think about it until I hear of someone needing an organ or having received one. Then I hope for a donor to give them the gift of life. I think, "What if I needed one to be able to live?" My decision was an easy one to make. I had the power to share in giving life, hope and a future for someone. My sister was able to see her son graduate and become an intensive care cardiac nurse. She was at his wedding because someone gave her a new heart. When I am gone, I want any and all organs and tissues to be used to better others’ lives.  I can’t do much to change the world but I can change it for someone.

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12/21/06, submitted by Virginia Hanson, Darien

Organ donation was not very important to me until 1994, when my husband required a liver transplant. Yes, I had marked my driver’s license that I would donate my organs, but I had never known anyone who needed a transplant of any type. My husband developed liver failure as a result of drinking wine (on his annual Naval Reserve duty to Italy) and taking acetaminophen while the alcohol was still in his body. It took several years for him to deteriorate to the point where a transplant was required. He was placed on the transplant list and luckily waited only a few weeks before a compatible liver was found. He was transplanted at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago 12 years ago, and has lived life to the fullest since his recovery. I call him the Energizer Bunny because of his zest for life and endless energy. Without that willing donor who gave him a new liver, he would not be here.Through Organ Transplant Support (a support organization in the western suburbs), we have met many, many folks in Illinois who have survived all types of transplants. Miracles happen every day. You never know when you will need one of those miracles. Sign up on the donor registry NOW.

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12/21/06, submitted by: Steve Ferkau, Chicago

My name is Steve Ferkau. I'm 46 ¾ years old, and I have cystic fibrosis. When I was diagnosed in 1973, my life expectancy was 14. I beat that.I struggled with lousy lungs for 40 years, never understanding or appreciating what a "real" breath felt like.Almost seven years ago, a beautiful girl from Iowa named Kari told her family twice in the month before she passed how important she felt organ donation was. Kari brought her beautiful smile into my life in April 2000—at that devastating moment when she passed away, her family knew what her wishes were and reached out and saved my life.Not long ago—on oxygen—I couldn't walk from the sofa to the kitchen without gasping for breath when I got there. Now, I'm leaping tall buildings and doing so much I'd never imagined, with the lungs from a beautiful girl whose smile I can see when I close my eyes.Beyond giving me her lungs, Kari has also dragged her incredible family and precious friends into my life. My princess helped me create a little website to tell some of my story—but mostly to honor Kari. It's at www.ClimbingForKari.org Please be someone's hero. Please consider organ donation, and tell your family how you feel about it. I know a beautiful girl from Iowa who knew how she felt and she told her family…  I think about her every single day.

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12/20/06, submitted by Kelli McDonald, Joliet

Connie Schweitzer was one of my dearest friends. We met in college, and hit it off right away and became "sisters." Connie became an advocate for organ donation while awaiting a double lung and heart transplant due to primary pulmonary hypertension. Even while she was sick, Connie was a fighter, not only for herself but for others. Even though her battle was not won, she made the battle for others end in victory. When Connie passed away at the age of 23, she became an organ donor.  By becoming a donor, she will live on eternally. I know that Connie is dancing freely, breathing without restriction and no longer needs the pump and catheter to continually feed her medicine so she can live. She's happy and energetic and still touching people's lives with her story. I've always loved her like a sister and more than anything I miss her tremendously. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. And after six years, it's still hard not to cry. I pass along her story every chance I get and am now an advocate for organ donation so that her legacy will live on. This is why organ donation is so important to me and to many others. Be a hero, be an organ donor!

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12/20/06, submitted by Lynne Barker, Morton

An angel, my granddaughter Dylan, was born on March 18, 2004, with gastroschisis. This is where your intestines grow on the outside of the stomach. She was such a happy baby, even though three-quarters of her life was spent in the hospital. That fall, she was placed on a waiting list for both a small intestine and a liver.  One weekend in January, my daughter called and told us that Dylan was running a fever. The next morning Dylan was taken to intensive care and by Tuesday, she was in an induced coma and her kidneys had started to fail. Dylan put up a hard battle.  For the next three weeks she fought. But one day in February, my daughter called me and told me that day would be the day that would break my heart. They had decided to take Dylan off of all medications and the ventilator. They waited until my husband and I got to Chicago to say our goodbyes.Deep down I feel that God had a purpose for Dylan, and it was to use her story to help encourage more people to donate. She may not be here physically, but she is always here with me, spiritually pushing me to keep going. There is a saying which says “Don’t take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.” Please, if you haven’t registered as a donor, please do so today. Thank you.

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12/20/06, submitted by Erica Cole, Chicago

My name is Erica Cole. I am 25 and a resident of Chicago’s South Side. This is my story: A few years ago, I was told that I had no choice but to get a cornea transplant, or my sight would be gone from eye disease. At that point, I thought my life was over. At every clinic I was told that I would have to wait three years [for a donated cornea]. I have a daughter who was 3 at the time. That was the point that when I realized that organ donors were important. In April 2005, I was blessed with my sight thanks to a donor family out there. After that, I needed another transplant in the left eye, which was done in May. I now call my eyes “angel eyes.” I could say that an angel stepped into my life to bless me every day with sight and being able to take of my little girl. Thank you. Please go sign up to be an organ donor. You could save someone’s life.

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12/20/06, submitted by an anonymous writer, McLean County

A Perfect Day: A couple of years ago I saw a news story on the need for organs and living donation.  The waiting list currently sits at 94,504. My initial reaction was: “I wish there was something I could do, but with so many on the list, there must be a million reasons more people can’t help.” So I did a little online research. I found information on how kidney donation can now be done with the laparoscopic method without large incisions. I found information on how quickly recovery can occur for the donor and how no living donor had ever died from the procedure. What I didn’t find after many hours of research is a reason that anyone capable of being a living kidney donor wasn’t. On one hand, the life of a son, daughter, sister or brother would be saved. On the other, temporary discomfort and a few days away from work. At that point, I started the process of becoming a non-directed living kidney donor. Each time I met someone along the process to be approved, I asked, “Am I missing something? Why aren’t more people doing this?” It has now been two years since donating a kidney. Looking back, this was one of the best decisions I have made and still haven’t discovered any hidden cost to doing it. Physically, I feel exactly the same but have the peace of mind that I was able to change a life. You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. -- John Wooden

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