I am alive today only because a generous
family donated their loved one's organs. I had been on the UNOS
waiting list for approximately
three and a half years. The last 14 months, I was at the top
of the list, desperately in need of two healthy lungs. Living
with a portable oxygen tank, and maintained on intravenous antibiotics
to battle pneumonia, I was losing the ability to sustain my
health.
I am so grateful that the new lungs came in
time. I not only benefited, but thrived. And although I cannot
carry a full-time job, I am delighted to be able to volunteer
for the New York Organ Donor Network in the hope that others
on the waiting list will benefit as well.
My primary goal with volunteering is to help
inform people about organ
and tissue donation and how it saves people's lives. It is
not only gratifying for me, but I feel like I am giving something
back for having been blessed with this gift. It is my hope
that presenting myself as a person whose life was saved as
a result of transplantation will propel others to embrace
organ and tissue donation.
When I volunteer, my experiences include telling
my transplant story at schools and hospitals; lobbying legislators
in Albany; helping with administrative work in the Donor Network
office; assisting with phone calls; stuffing envelopes for
mailings, and distributing materials at health fairs and blood
drives.
What I enjoy most about volunteering is the
human interaction. Whether it is talking with people outside
the office or working with staff members at the Donor Network,
people are supportive of my situation and treat me well. The
Donor Network does marvelous work with a difficult job. I
have seen them unite recipients and donor families, as well
as matching organs with people in need.
As a plus, I have been fortunate to meet other
recipients and donor families during my journey. I learn so
much from being a part of their network. I am grateful for
my second chance at life, but also that I am able to do something
as vital and fulfilling with my time.
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