organ donor

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!

We Are What We Do

Today I wanted to do something a little different. I’d like for everyone reading this post to try a little experiment – Pick one item from the list below, and give it a try. I guarantee your world & those around you will change for the better (even if it’s just the slightest little bit, it will have been worth it).

1. Take the time to listen – Let me begin by telling you a little secret, consider it a gift from me to you: Listening (Not hearing, but truly listening) is the key to intimacy in any relationship.
Tune in to the things that really matter and tune out from all of the distractions in your life. Put down your laptop, turn off the television, put aside all your grievances with your spouse, forget about the mess in the kitchen and just take a moment to really listen to what they’re saying. Focusing completely on an individual and truly being part of a conversation allows for real connections to be made and strong bonds to form. You’ll find that you answer thoughtfully rather than automatically and everyone involved will have a more pleasant experience.

Find yourself with another issue: No one talking in the house. Well, that can speak volumes all in itself. Seek out your children or your spouse and spend a little quality time reconnecting and doing something you both enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll all be having a good time and with great memories comes great conversation. (A second gift from me to you).

2. Donate to those in need – This one is simple, you have too much stuff! There are others out there who don’t. Give a little and you’ll get a whole lot more {a good feeling, more space in your home, perhaps even room for something new}

3. Smile and Smile Back – Attitudes are contagious, whether good or bad. Make the decision when you leave your house today that you will spread your good attitude as far as it will go. What could be easier than making someone’s day with nothing more than a quick smile! Don’t feel like smiling? Do it anyway, chances are the smiles you get in return will help you feel better too.

4. Spend time with someone from another generation – The greatest part about this challenge is you can either be the teacher or the student. Don’t be surprised if you learn something from a younger generation as well. The most important part of this challenge is to keep an open mind, remember to show respect, and just enjoy yourself. Something wonderful is bound to happen.

5. Read a Story to a child – What better gift can you pass along to a child than the gift of literacy. Take 5, 10, even 20 minutes (depending on the age of the child) to open a child’s mind and let their imaginations run wild. The time you invest in reading will truly last a lifetime (more posts about reading with children and even a great GIVEAWAY~ coming soon!)

6. Give Blood – Just 20 minutes out of your day and you can give someone the Gift of Life. Even better, you get to take some time out of your day to sit down, relax, and you even get a cookie!

7. Seize the moment – The only time you really have is now – this moment. So don’t just seize it, EMBRACE it and ENJOY it! Let your senses guide you and help you to maximize your experience. Make every memory, a vivid memory. The more you begin to focus on your senses {the beauty in the sunset, the smell of your clothes straight form the dryer, the actual taste of what you’re eating}, the more you will begin to enjoy the experience and remember the details.

8. Plant something – Nothing is more life altering than parenthood, apply this philosophy on a smaller level and grow something of your very own. Take pride in your accomplishments and enjoy the fruit of your labor – whether its a gorgeous flower or a tasty vegetable. Think of the money you’ll save and the joy you’ll feel from helping yourself become a little more self-sustainable.

9. Join something – In other words, be a part of something greater than yourself. You’ll gain confidence, maybe even make some new friends, and do something positive for yourself and others.

10. Register as an organ donor – Did you know a healthy organ donor can save or improve the lives of 50 PEOPLE! Do your part and get the process started today, at OrganDonor.gov

If you were moved by this list or want to find a few more simple ways to change your world, check out the online movement We Are What We Do. We Are What We Do, they thing along the same lines as me. We both believe simple actions can make a big difference.

If you’re a List kind of gal, you’ll love the Actions Tracker they’ve set up. You can check off 50 simple ways to change the world. Sign up for the Actions Tracker on the web or even monitor your progress on the super handy Change the World Facebook application, while you’re on Facebook take a moment to befriend the new KSW FB page.

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