Donna Griffin
Care, concern, and complete unselfishness from an unknown family
allows me to lead a totally different life than I could have led
living on dialysis. My name is Donna Griffin and I had been on
dialysis for about twenty months before receiving a kidney from
someone who thought far enough ahead to plan for a stranger's
life in case his or hers was to end. No one really believes they
will become an organ donor. The down-side of every lucky recipient
is that someone loses his or her life in order for people like me
to get a new lease on life.I never had a chance to thank the family of the person in the bi-state area of Missouri and Illinois who gave me my new lease on life. I received my kidney on October 19, 1987. I have said many prayers for the soul of the donor and many prayers of thanks for the donor family. No one can fully understand what a hard decision they had to make. All people who need an organ pray that science will advance, or a miracle will happen, so we don't need an organ from someone else. Many times, the recipient feels guilty that another person had to die to save them. But, because of the donor's and the families' decision, I can lead a full and active life. I work full-time, have many hobbies, and have since been happily married to my wonderful husband of four years. I have been able to enjoy new nieces and nephews. I hope this letter gives all donor families a sense of peace knowing that they and their loved one helped to make several people's lives better. Every healthy day we live is a tribute to them. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. The MTS motto is important! "Don't take your organs to heaven because heaven knows we need them here!" |
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