Annie's Mailbox - Gift of Life

Annie's Mailbox

By ColumnSig
December 09, 2008 6:00 AM

Dear Annie: Nine years ago, my husband, Robb, received the most memorable and priceless holiday gift — a kidney/pancreas transplant from a deceased donor. Though we've never met the donor's family, we are always mindful of their generosity, particularly during the holiday season.

I took stock of my life and how blessed I was, and decided to give myself as a gift. Inspired by my late mother's love and the generosity of my husband's donor, I offered myself as a living nondirected kidney donor. It was the best gift ever. I was matched with the most compatible person on the waiting list, and we had the opportunity to meet after the surgery. My recipient, Dee, is now my dear friend. It gives me indescribable joy to know my gift allows her to enjoy healthy holidays with her large family after enduring six years of dialysis.

I am also registered as a donor on my driver's license and hope that more parts of me will live on as gifts to others after my death. I know this will comfort my loved ones and bring healing and hope to those waiting for the gift of life.

I encourage your readers to join the National Kidney Foundation's Holiday Gift of Life Campaign and give hope to the 100,000 Americans whose holiday wish list consists of one gift — a lifesaving organ transplant. If health and circumstances allow, consider becoming a living donor.

Readers interested in learning more can visit the foundation's website at www.kidney.org.

— Lora Ward Wilson, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dear Lora Wilson: Your husband was fortunate to have received his transplant, and you, dear, are truly a loving and selfless individual to have donated a kidney to a stranger. What a marvelous gift. Bless you.

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081209/LIFE/812090307