Hi my friends!

[AlohaBeth]

Aloha IHDers!  I haven't been around forever -- but Mom's been keeping me up on all the IHD news - and I talk with most of you on facebook anyways   Anyways -- I miss you all!!   

 

I am back once again talking about Mom (Paris) and I's Kidney walk team...  I wanted to share the letter I sent to family and friends on Valentine's Day...  I had all of you in mind when I sent it. 

p.s. - I am SO ready for an IHD meet up again!  It's been too long!  Vegas anyone?

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Happy Organ Donor Day!
 
Yep, that's right, the day of love and passion, shares it's date on the calendar with another day of love and compassion.
 
Organ Donor Day is February 14th every year.  A day to celebrate life, generosity, kindness of spirit, faith and love.  Living donors and those who chose to continue their life after death both deserves a day of recognition!
 
There is one person in particular I would like to tell you about.
 
He (or she) was the kindest and most selfless person I've known.  This person chose to give life to others.  They told their family one day about their decision, they filled out a donor card, they put a little red heart on their drivers license.  And then this person's family suffered a great tragedy.  Their life ended, and my mother got the call she had waited 5 years to get. 
 
I've never met this person.  I don't know who they were, what their job was, if they were young or old.  I don't know what their favorite ice cream was or what team they would have pulled for in this year's Superbowl.  Did they like The Beatles?  Were they an animal lover?  I don't know the answers to any of these questions, and still, this person, this stranger, is my hero.  This person did what no one else could do, he saved my mothers life. 
 
As we gear up for this year's Triangle Kidney Walk, I wanted to stop and truly thank the hero's out there who are brave enough to think about what they can do for others, even when they are no longer with us. 
 
I don't feel I have to tell you my Mother's story again.  It's one we all have come to know through the years.  But I will tell you this.  4 years ago, when we formed "Team Walking for Nana and Nina" we had just lost a friend.  Susie Trevino passed away 4 years ago today.  On, of all days, Organ Donor Day.  She didn't get the chance to find that hero in her life, and we miss her every day.  But 6 months ago, the other half of our team name, the Grandmother to 10 perfect "angels", the Mom to 4 children, "Paris" on her much-loved forums, and the surrogate Mother to so many others got her second chance at life and a new "Birthday"!
 
I am asking two things of you today. 
 
The most important, please print and fill out the your Organ Donor card.  I have attached one to the email for your convenience.  Be a hero, save lives.  Make your wishes known to your family.  It is so important.   
 
 
The second, please consider, once again, making a contribution to the National Kidney Foundation's Triangle Kidney Walk.  This year, "Team Walking for Nana and Nina" is walking proud, with our heads held high.  This year, my mother will walk with us...  because this year, for the first time, she can.  All because of her hero. 
 
To donate or walk with our team on April 2nd please go to - http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR/Walk/NorthCarolina?px=1559781&pg=personal&fr_id=3450
 
Thank you so much!
 
Beth Breakey
Team Captain
Walking for Nana and Nina



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[okarol]

  Fabulous letter AlohaBeth!
I will donate - hope you guys have a great walk!   
GO Walking for Nana and Nina! 

[paris]

And again, we will be wearing purple boas and tiaras to honor our beloved Moderator. Goofynina.  She loved this site so much and made our days better with her bright personality.   It was my honor to meet her in Vegas. My first sight of her was walking through the casino, strutting her stuff with a huge purple boa and tiara, like it was the most normal thing to do.  Her family knew how much she loved IHD and how much we loved her.  At her funeral, her family placed her sparkling tiara on her lovely hair; honoring her position as Moderator to IHD.   Makes me tear up to think about it.   

My entire family knows how much this site has changed my life and how much I depend on it. So, we walk in April to also honor all of you.  What hero's our members are!  They are living and trying everyday not to let this disease get the best of them. They reach out to each other with hope, a strong shoulder, hugs and more everyday.  You are never alone when you become a member here.   We will remember Goofy"nina" and all those we have lost and we will honor all of you, who are real heroes.

[boswife]

What a beautifully inspiring thread this is.  Beautiful and touhing!  i will be checking the link as well.  Thank you for sharing, and thank you for all being who you are.   What beautiful words you shared...  Thank you again, bless you, and blessings to all of us here too   

[Des]

 

This is SO beautiful.

Thanks

[paris]

We received our NKF kidney walk newsletter today.  Our teams picture is on the front, along with part of Beth's story she shared here.  Beth works very hard on this event.  She has organized all the food donations for the event.  They have always offered bananas and buttery biscuits for snacks at the walk!!  Bananas!! Biscuits!!    Beth is working with Trader Joes and Whole Foods and they are donating healthier, kidney friendly choices.  Jason's Deli has donated all the bottled water we need. And, Bruggers bagels, Cupcake shop (gift certificates as prizes).  And to top that all,  she has been asked to submit a resume for the position of director of the Triangle area NFK !   She loves her job at the Methodist Children's Home so much, she wouldn't leave. But she was very flattered and honored that they like her so much.   Donations are down, but the economy is hitting all non-profits so much right now.    Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, especially April 2nd.  Thanks friends.