Barbara-Liver and Kidney recipient

I was diagnosed with chronic liver disease in April of 2016 and placed on the liver transplant list. In early 2017 I went into renal failure and started dialysis. I was then placed on the kidney transplant list as well. I had numerous hospital admissions, some in critical condition. From December of 2017 to April of 2018 I was in rapid decline. Prayer and my positive support system (husband, family, and friends) got me through. I got my miracle when I received my phone call on the evening of April 17th. At midnight I was in surgery. I spent 4 weeks in ICU and even suffered a relapse. I then spent 3 weeks on the regular hospital floor. I came home on June 2, 2018. Since then I continue to get and feel better daily. I’ve done things in the last year and a half that I couldn’t do for years. I’ve traveled, written my first children’s book, and enjoyed being with family and friends. All of this was made possible by a donor who donated his organs. He saved my life and a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about his selfless gifts. The medical staff was also awesome.
Organ donation is so important! I wouldn’t be here today without it. I celebrated my 58th birthday in the hospital. It was wonderful because I received the best birthday present ever. The gift of life!