When I thought about naming this newsletter, I remembered how
I used to visualize the journey I was awaiting -- to cross over a
bridge (of transplantation) to renewed health. Everytime I felt
too tired to imagine even getting up, I visualized this bridge.
Reaching the other side was not an end, but rather a beginning of
new vitality both physically and mentally. Many who read this do
not know me yet, but I feel sure there is much we share in
common.
While transplantation itself is lifesaving, I've found that
reaching the other side has brought with it unexpected rewards.
I've met some of you, as well as others around the world who have
had very diverse experiences and whose lives have been enriched
by gaining a new and more positive outlook on life. Telling and
listening to our stories has helped me recover and look forward
to my new life. In speaking to friends, groups at church, school
or at club meetings, I have seen the looks of understanding and
caring grow. Understanding our options often can compensate for
the losses we feel facing debilitating disease. The more people
touch our lives, the more willing they are to adopt organ and
tissue donation as an important issue in their lives. This spring
everyone receiving an federal income refund will have an
opportunity to consider donation. Let's hope that this effort
increases awareness and commitment to donation.
In the past year have had time to promote organ donor awareness
in my immediate community and to talk on the radio about my
illness and subsequent transplant. Most importantly, I have had
time to enjoy my son who has spent much of his life with a mother
too tired to keep up with his enthusiasm for life. And, I have
had the privilege of finding a new friend in an especially
courageous mother whose family decided to donate the organs of
her son when he died suddenly four years ago. I look forward to
continued learning and inspiration that I get from all the
pioneers out there, patients, families and medical practitioners,
who are living in this miraculous time. I am grateful that I am
living, and living in these times.
Many of us knew each other from the California Pacific Medical Center. Now, we are together at support meetings, clinic visits, internet and have formed a uniquely new community of relationships. As editor, I encourage you to write of your experiences here and let me know how you would like to keep in touch.
