I Am An Organ Donor
First and foremost, I want to say I am so very sorry that the donor lost their life. This was an otherwise healthy person that lost their life due to a sudden tragic event. There is a family out there mourning the loss of this person. This person has left a hole in their loved one's world.
Right now, there is a family who is spreading the shocking news that their loved one has passed away. People are crying in angst and sorrow. Some people are blaming God. There are small children who will not remember this person except by the stories of their heroism and by photos.
I will remember this person, though. Tonight I light a candle for an unknown person who gave two kidneys and a pancreas to my baby brother.
My brother was born with small kidneys. He is now 40. He served his term in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He became Diabetic there and was discharged with medical Military Honors.
His kidneys failed and he started dialysis 6 years ago, and was placed on a transplant list. His nights were long, and his sleep was little. He had constant pain in his back where the non-functioning kidneys burdened his body. He gave himself shots and pricked his fingers to regulate his blood sugars. He didn't ask for it, and he endured.
Last Monday, he was moved up to the top of the transplant list.
This morning, at 5;30 am, he got a call. By 6:30 he was at the hospital, being prepped for surgery. At 3:00, he came out of surgery recovery and into ICU. He is doing well.
His life was spared by another's loss. I am so sorry for your loss, donor family. But please know that every year from now on, on June 17th, I will light a candle in remembrance of your family member. I promise this. My drivers license promises my organs to someone in the event of my death. I have registered on the organ donor sites. I am thankful that they did too.
Thank you.