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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 683
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 11:06 pm: | 
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2 years ago today I was still quite groggy at this time after having undergone a liver resection and donating 58% of my liver to my baby brother Anthony. Regretfully and with a broken heart I speak the words he died 9 months later.
Today I went to Lahey Clinic for my 2nd annual follow up. It was not easy and I have lost much sleep this past week with the knowledge that what I would be undergoing today was a repeat performance of most of the pretesting just over 2 years ago. The major difference is that I was alone today. I was hurting. I was angry. I am a different woman than who I was on November 19, 2007.
My tests all went well, I am healthy and as my doctor put it, I am whole, but we all know that I am not. When my brother passed he took 100% of my heart and 58% of me with him. There is always an emptiness that nothing can fill.
My joy these days comes in helping others in transplantland. In educating people about the need to become organ donors and that you don't have to be dead to donate!! I receive joy like no other when I can help organize a fundraiser for a 17 year old boy in need of a liver or wrap my arms around our own Nicole when Pete was no longer in a pickle. To hold her that day was like holding an angel and those are the joys that warm that empty place in my heart.
So this evening I just sit and reflect upon all the wonderful people that I have been blessed in getting to know as a result of Anthony's illness and death. I love everyone here on transplantbuddies for where else can I go and have so many know what is on and in my heart.
Thank you for being here the last 2 years. I love you all so much
Dawn
Forum Leader Living Organ Donation
Liver Donor 11/19/07 to brother Anthony
Good and bad things happen in life, but what matters, what defines us, is how we handle them |
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DAP1122
Forum Leader
Username: Dap1122
Post Number: 1228
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 09:58 am: |
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Dawn,
I'm thinking it was God's plan for you to walk the path that you are on. You have had a PROFOUND effect on so many people in regard to organ transplantation.
You gave of yourself then, and are still giving. You WILL be rewarded.
THANK YOU, for being YOU!!!
God Bless you!!!
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Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa
Post Number: 11178
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 11:29 am: |
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Dawn
You were blessed with being able to express exactly what you feel from your heart. You are a joy to all of us here. I hope that in time you can heal your heart. Giving is a part of us that comes easy with love. You are blessed to continue this joy that will help heal your heart. Keep on giving and God Bless YOU always.
love
Rise'
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eccoblue
Forum Leader
Username: Eccoblue
Post Number: 1024
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 02:39 pm: |
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Dawn,
They say pictures are worth a thousand words and that actions speak louder than words. I have to say your heartfelt words have emotional power, but I hope one day I can put my feelings for you into action --- with a huge mega hug!!!
Love,
Kelli
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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather
Post Number: 2672
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 - 11:47 pm: |
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We love you, too. I cannot believe it has been 2 years...really??? wow. I am happy all your tests came back good. keep up the great work you do for organ donation. And always know you have your cougar buddies here to lean on and talk to.
Heather
Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago
DONATE LIFE |
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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 685
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 03:39 pm: |
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Thank you all! The holidays are difficult but we all have our trials and triumphs!
I have a friend who will be joining us soon to ask questions. As soon as I know what her screen name will be I will pass it along to welcome her to our family.
Love to all
Dawn
Forum Leader Living Organ Donation
Liver Donor 11/19/07 to brother Anthony
Good and bad things happen in life, but what matters, what defines us, is how we handle them |
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sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 16
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Friday, December 04, 2009 - 05:03 pm: |
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Hello Dawn,
Thank you for sharing and please continue to share your story with others. I bet your participation in education and supporting people is a beautiful way Anthony's spirit lives on (I'm sure there are other ways too!)
Non-directional donor, Oct 2009
Minneapolis, MN, USA
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