I’ve met a lot of inspirational women since I first started blogging back in 2008, women I am totally and utterly in awe and pure amazement of. Kim, is one of those women. She is extraordinarily kind and her love for her two boys just shines right out of her. I’d like to give her a moment to tell her story, and then ask that you do something life-altering for you & 8 others and become an organ donor. Hers, is the face you could be saving.
Meet Kim, from Hope Whispers
If someone would have told me years ago I would be this thankful to turn 29, I would have laughed and made some smart comment about how that’s almost 30! But the truth is, I’m blessed to have made it this far. I’m married to a wonderful man, and our boys are healthy and full of life. We just bought our first home. My friends and family are the best.
But then three years ago, just two months after my 26th birthday I was diagnosed with Budd Chiari Syndrome. A very rare liver disease, and also with a blood disorder that makes me more likely to get blood clots. I was put on blood thinners and was told that I would need to have a liver transplant. I was 18 weeks pregnant at the time.
My whole world was turned upside down. I had so many questions. Scared doesn’t even come close to how I felt. I was beyond terrified. The big life that I had dreamt about, the life I had all planned out was being pulled right out from underneath me. I slowly lost the energy to play with son. I hated that part and he hated it more. And then there was medication. Every morning and every night I sat in my bathroom. Trying to convince myself to get get over it and give myself those dreadful lovenox shots. But at least now I’m not afraid of needles anymore. But I put on my smile and stood strong.
My pregnancy was very carefully monitored. There were months where I had Drs. appointments all 30 days. I got to see my baby every Friday when I had my ultrasounds and stress tests. Aside from all the worry, everything went fairly smooth. On January 12th, we celebrated the birth of our second son. He was perfect. As we all celebrated, deep down I remember being so afraid. I had just been given a miracle. And I was going to need another.
On May 25th 2010 one more name was added to the UNOS transplant list. Mine. It became real to me then. This was really happening. I needed a liver transplant. So I waited. And more than a year later, I’m still waiting. The option of a living donor is not an option for me. The damage is not only to my liver, but the vein that carries blood to my heart. And obviously they cant take that from someone who is still alive. So why am I still waiting? Because sadly there are not enough registered organ donors in the United States.
Every day an average of 18 people die while awaiting organ transplants because of a critical shortage of donors. Today there are 112,173 men, women and children awaiting heart, kidney, liver, lung and pancreas transplants. When you register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor you sign up to be a hero. Through the miracle of transplant you could save up to 8 people. And enhance the lives of up to 50 more. What reason is there not to!?
We don’t get to choose when our time is up. But we can choose to give life when ours are lost. Are you an organ donor? If not, please take a moment to become a donor. It only takes a few minutes and you could give someone a life time.
You can find Kim and her adorable boys on her blog, Hope Whispers. If you sign up to be a donor, please let her know — she’s got a goal for the year and I want to help her blow it out of the water!
Donate Life, Become a Donor
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