May I ask for a (totally voluntary) favour

[monrein]

The one year anniversary of my transplant is fast approaching.  On February 23rd., 2009, my sister-in-law donated a kidney to me and on this first kidneyversary I'd really appreciate some help in trying to thank her, although of course I'm aware that words are woefully insufficient for this task.  I've stolen this idea from Kellyt but hey, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, or so "they" say at any rate.

Anyone willing to send Kathy a card, expressing the meaning and enormity of this gift to a kidney patient, me in this case, but I hope that as many of us as possible will in time receive this gift, please PM me and I will send you an address. 

Before donating, she told very few people of her intention to do so and was embarrassed that my brother, who had offered me a kidney way back when my kidneys first failed but was refused since he was only 16 (he wasn't a match anyway), bragged to people about her quiet but determined generosity.  She lives in Florida while I'm in Toronto so she had to come here for extensive testing first and then 3 months later came and spent a month to get the transplant and follow up done.  She spent three days in hospital and was back at work, managing my brother's busy vet clinic, with a total of about 5 weeks off. 
One more detail that I've always found fascinating is that her first date with my brother was on the day that I had my first kidney transplant, which lasted 23 years, and once we knew that she would be the donor, she very calmly told me that she'd just been keeping it warm for me. 

Thanks to all those willing to participate in this idea and thanks to kellyt also.  PM me for further details.   

[Sluff]

Monrein,
Send us her address we will send her a shirt or something.  Her size would be needed, play it safe...ha ha.

Sluff

[nursewratchet]

Happy to do it.  My PM thing isn't working now.  If you can PM me, I can respond with my address. 

[paris]

Monrein,  I would do anything for you.  PM her address, please.  I know Kelly's donor loved getting the cards and was very surprised.   It is an easy thing to do, especially since she did so much for you.   

[monrein]

Thanks so much Sluff....I really appreciate your offer and know that Kathy will feel the same way.  She wears a lot of t shirts, mostly sports related...the last one my husband sent her was for the Salmonbellies Lacrosse Club.   She's a size medium and I'll send you her contact info but for now I'm being told that I can't send more than 4 PM's an hour.  When I get the green light on that, you'll receive my PM and thanks ever so much for your generous offer.   


Paris, you're too sweet...but I would do (most) anything for you too.  I'll send the contact info asap.   

[willowtreewren]

 

Always fun to send cards!

[Rerun]

Yes, pm me her address.

[Chris]

Does she like funny Thank You cards?
The one I sent to Kelly's sister n law I had to pick up more 

[dwcrawford]

Count me in Dorrianna.

[girliekick]

i cant pm from my phone w/o it costing allot. I would love to send ur sister in law a card. Please pm me her info. I will set a reminder on my phone to mail it around the 20th. 
I think its a great idea.
Girl

[okarol]

Me too, please send me her info 

[monrein]

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this little project with me.  We both had a good day on our kidneyversary and here's a note Kathy sent me.

Yes, Gaila, the administrator sent me a giant mug with IHD on it, and a fantastic canvas tote with two stick figures, one with a red kidney inside and one in his/her hand, giving it to the other stick figure!  Be an organ donor!  It was a really nice surprise.  And emails as well as cards from total strangers, isn't that cool?  Lee's flowers were quite the presentation.  Right into the lobby they came.  The girls loved them and of course I was totally surprised.  It was a very sensational grouping, and I love the yellow roses, did I ever mention thay are my favorite??  Big gerber daisies, lillies, and some branches with petite yellow flowers (I will have to ask JIm).  Very  colorful: yellow, purple, and reds in the daisy center.  Really spectacular. And the message was lovely.  So thoughtful  of him really.  I was already having a wonderful day within myself, and then all the treats.  Really sweet!   The only issue for the girls was their despair at realizing they might have to give an organ to receive such a bouquet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     Too funny.  My remaining kidney gets her beer fix every night, so no worries.  I hope you had a great day also.   Your friends are so thoughtful.   Please tell them i enjoyed the surprise cards.  LOve, KD

I hope to celebrate many more kidniversaries and wish the same for all of us who want and get transplants. 

Grateful Gail

[Sluff]

Awesome.