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Survivalism through organ donation, ten years later
September 2000: This is it! After over six years of increasingly torturous dialysis
treatments a matching donor has been found for me! As I’m trying to open my eyes
I feel excited and afraid. Are we done? Did it work? I’m first aware of the familiar
burning in my lower abdomen from a new incision masked by pain meds. My mouth
is dry and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna be sick. Everything is really fuzzy but I lift my
head and take a quick look at myself. I’m surprised at how swollen my whole body
is, ...and do we really need all of these tubes sticking out of me? Suddenly I’m
aware that despite these things there is definitely some kind of new energy. It starts
to hover just above the feelings of anesthesia, morphine and pain. Even though I
can hardly move I feel wonderful!
It’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since my transplant. What an
incredible gift to live a normal life for 10 years after experiencing kidney
failure. In these same ten years 2,000 Ohioans have died waiting for
transplants--195 of them died in 2009 That’s at least one person every
other day. And then consider the fact that every 10 minutes another name
is added to the national waiting list.
Right now there are 3,173 people in Ohio waiting like I did; 500 of them are
in central Ohio. People like me: I’m a preschool teacher and a heavy metal
music lover. Sometimes I write stuff. I hung out at the Alrosa Villa
constantly in the 90s. I sent my kids to Grove City schools.
treatments a matching donor has been found for me! As I’m trying to open my eyes
I feel excited and afraid. Are we done? Did it work? I’m first aware of the familiar
burning in my lower abdomen from a new incision masked by pain meds. My mouth
is dry and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna be sick. Everything is really fuzzy but I lift my
head and take a quick look at myself. I’m surprised at how swollen my whole body
is, ...and do we really need all of these tubes sticking out of me? Suddenly I’m
aware that despite these things there is definitely some kind of new energy. It starts
to hover just above the feelings of anesthesia, morphine and pain. Even though I
can hardly move I feel wonderful!
It’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since my transplant. What an
incredible gift to live a normal life for 10 years after experiencing kidney
failure. In these same ten years 2,000 Ohioans have died waiting for
transplants--195 of them died in 2009 That’s at least one person every
other day. And then consider the fact that every 10 minutes another name
is added to the national waiting list.
Right now there are 3,173 people in Ohio waiting like I did; 500 of them are
in central Ohio. People like me: I’m a preschool teacher and a heavy metal
music lover. Sometimes I write stuff. I hung out at the Alrosa Villa
constantly in the 90s. I sent my kids to Grove City schools.
Home > Columns > Loud & Upfront in Columbus > Lifeline Of Ohio
Statistically more than 95 percent of American adults approve of donation as a viable, life-giving practice.
That makes sense because just one donor can save eight lives and heal up to 50 more! In 2009, 284
Ohioans were organ donors at the time of their death. They became heroes to 945 individuals.
That makes sense because just one donor can save eight lives and heal up to 50 more! In 2009, 284
Ohioans were organ donors at the time of their death. They became heroes to 945 individuals.
Debbiew received a kidney transplant
September, 2000. Photo submitted.
September, 2000. Photo submitted.
If you don't know how to make sure you are a donor,
here are three easy ways:
1) Register online to be a donor by going to the Ohio donor registry
2) Fill out a donor registry form
3) Say “yes” when receiving your driver license or state ID
You should really talk to your family about your wishes. When someone is
not signed up in the Ohio Donor Registry, the next-of-kin must make the
decision regarding donation. Families faced with the sudden, traumatic
loss of a loved one will sometimes say, “no”.
Lifeline of Ohio coordinated my transplant. They are right here in Columbus
and can answer questions such as: “Will being an organ donor affect the
way I'm treated if I’m in a serious accident?"
here are three easy ways:
1) Register online to be a donor by going to the Ohio donor registry
2) Fill out a donor registry form
3) Say “yes” when receiving your driver license or state ID
You should really talk to your family about your wishes. When someone is
not signed up in the Ohio Donor Registry, the next-of-kin must make the
decision regarding donation. Families faced with the sudden, traumatic
loss of a loved one will sometimes say, “no”.
Lifeline of Ohio coordinated my transplant. They are right here in Columbus
and can answer questions such as: “Will being an organ donor affect the
way I'm treated if I’m in a serious accident?"
My donor didn't just give me a kidney. He gave me time to see my children grow and grandchildren be
born. He gave me a chance to write for you. I can't thank him, but if you are a donor, I can thank you.
Thank you with all of my heart. ~ debbiew
born. He gave me a chance to write for you. I can't thank him, but if you are a donor, I can thank you.
Thank you with all of my heart. ~ debbiew
Visit lifelineofohio.org
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