Who is worthy of your organs?

Laura Gould, Hamden, CT — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:15:03 GMT

when ever I tell my own story , I get a lump in my throat.....
I have a genetic disease called polycystic kidney disease (pkd). It is the most common genetic disease, more common than cystic fibrosis, hemophelia, muscular dystrophy and m.s. COMBINED.

my kidneys failed shortly after I had given birth to triplets in 1999. by 2003, I needed a kidney transplant. I used to ask EVERYONE I came in contact with what their blood type was, then, if they said type O , whether positive or negative. I would try to make a joke of it , while I was dying on the inside. I even did a little presentation where I worked at yale university to the people I had worked with for 7 years. Not one person came forward. That was really hard,devastating, actually.

Most people don't know that you only really need one kidney. it is nature's redundancy that we have 2. There is no other organ that is like the kidney.

One day, I asked a person I had just met at a party what her bloodtype was. She immediately said : "O positive and I have given almost 10 gallons of blood to the red cross, WHY do you ask?"

I told her that I needed a kidney and that she had my blood type. She immediately said "ok, what do I have to do". I thought she was joking, I said "ha ha". She said, "No, REALLY, tell me what I have to do." I told her I wasn't really sure, since she was the first to come forward. She made me promise her I would check with the hospital the following morning.

I told her, she owed it to herself to talk to her family, to sleep on it, at the very least and let me know in the morning. She called me at 8am and said, "ok, I talked it over with my family, Now, tell me what I need to do." I was in shock. I couldn't speak for a moment. It was surreal.

I gave her the phone # of the "transplant coordinator" at Hartford Hospital.She made me promise I would call as well and find out what I needed to do. She was more concerned about me, and what I would need to do, than she was about herself. I couldn't believe it. By then, I was on peritoneal dialysis, hooked up to a machine at home every night for 10 hours.

She was incredibly empathetic, more so than anyone I had ever met. More than my own family or origin. A few months later after many tests and the most thorough physical examination of a lifetime, she and I underwent surgery in adjoining operating rooms. Her kidney was removed laparascopically. She has 4 1" scars near her belly button. I have a 16" diagonal scar across my abdomen. (They put the new kidney on my right side, in the iliac sac in front. My native kidneys remain, and are located on the flanks on my lower back)
At the same time, I was being prepped to receive her kidney. The entire procedure took approximately 5 hours of actual surgery for each of us. I woke up elated.

There are no words that express my gratitude to my new "kidney sister" as we fondly refer to one another. It has been five years and her kidney is doing great! My kids don't remember a time that I didn't have Carrie's
Kidney. The gift of life is an amazing thing. To this day, my kidney donor is ridiculed and told she is crazy when she tells her story. It is the most amazing miracle that has ever happened to me, and probably will be for the rest of my life.

Who is worthy of your organs?

You know who it is — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:11:47 GMT

Where'd you find that picture. That's an old one. I don't have that one. He is a cutie though.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Nancy Baker, Hanover, Indiana — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:52:59 GMT

My brother was just diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (ESRD); he is currently on dialysis and will most likely require a transplant. Since this is a hereditary disease, it generally rules out other family members. Several of our friends (who do not even know my brother!) have "stepped up" and offered to donate a kidney if they are a match for him. Thank God for these people - this is
probably the ultimate sacrifice - and we are very thankful for them all! They are more generous than we have words for. In these days of "me, me, me", it is
the ultimate kindness, and a true gift of love from our friends.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Mary Layford — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:07:15 GMT

J.Yoder needs a kidney and pancreas transplant. Soon. Levering Michigan. Hope theres a stranger out there for her!!!

Who is worthy of your organs?

Amy Grja, — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:09:06 GMT

Have theses two women checked their family tree? They look related. This could be why they were such a perfect match

Who is worthy of your organs?

Alyssa Strom, Williamston, SC — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:49:45 GMT

I would give a kidney to a stranger without thinking twice. My oldest brother donated a kidney to my mother 6 months ago. I know the joy that it brought to our family. To be able to give another family that joy I would donate a kidney in a heartbeat.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Kris Brewer, Goldsboro, NC — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:21:10 GMT

I was so happy to see the story about the kidney donation. Last year, July 2007, my big brother donated a kidney to me. I had a rare auto-immune disease which eventually "killed" my kidneys and was on dialysis. He stepped up and said "this is family - why wouldn't I?" Our faith and prayer got us both through. He has been a Methodist minister in NJ for almost 40 years. I live in North Carolina. I am doing very well, as is he. We asked the local paper to do our story, not for us, for to get the word out about organ donation. Too many people have already lost their lives because there are not enough organs available. Thank you again for this story

Who is worthy of your organs?

Barbara Beck, Ojai, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:25:14 GMT

Hi Steph. . .
This is a dilemma I have actually thought about often and feel pretty much as you do, complete with the guilt. Many thanks for sharing your position. with such candor. I found it comforting, inspiring, and perhaps as you intended, reason to think about it again.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:27:05 GMT

Nice segment Meredith. But you missed your opportunity to remind viewers that April is Organ Donor Awareness Month - everyone should sign up during April to become a donor. It's not too late to be pro-active and place a notice on this website.

I am Joni Henderson, Pt. Services Coordinator for National Transplant Assistance Fund, Radnor, PA. I have a special interest in Annamarie and Sandie as I have been working with the families to help them raise funds for their uninsured medical expenses - esp. those of Sandie while she is out of work following her surgery. So, get the word out - Give the Gift of Life!

Who is worthy of your organs?

JOHNNY GONZALES — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:27:13 GMT

I NEED A KIDNEY I HAVE BEEN DOING DIALISIT FOR 2 YRS NOW AND MY BLOOD WORK IS GOOD EVERY MONTH I CAN'T EVEN GET ON THE LIST ONLY BECUSE I DON'T HAVE 20% OF THE BILL THE HOSPITAL WON'T LET ME IN THE DOOR ONLY IF I GET THE 20% FIRST.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Debbie Tolley Trenton, New Jersey — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:27:54 GMT

I have no problem donating what's left of me when i am no longer breathing (dead) and therefore would not mind giving and saving anyone no matter who unless it be someone i really dislike but to be alive and donate ? i don't think so!! It would have to do with a lot of love . DEBBIE

Who is worthy of your organs?

Kim Casasanta Waterloo,New York — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:45:24 GMT

My giving older sister donated her kidney to our childhood neighbors husband. Our family's grew up together and over time has remained in contact through the years. When my sister found out that her long time neighbor and best friends husband was facing kidney failure my sister stepped up to the plate with no questions asked and said "test me". My sister was tested and became a perfect match and with no looking back my sister donated her kidney.My sister has two childred and a loving husband that supported her wonderful choice. My sister had to travel out of state to donate her kidney so it was very hard for her to be separtated from the family but as she said she would always hope someone would aide her family in the time of need. My sister is a very strong and spirtual person. To save a life is a feeling not many of us have shared.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Ginger S., Atlanta, GA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:08:23 GMT

Stephanie -- you are a hilarious and poignant writer! I love reading other people's blogs, especially women, and I am not going to be coy here -- I would love for you to check out Ginger's Blog at www.skirt.com/vday08. I think you'll get a kick out of The V Word! Also, if you go into the blogs themselves, and read Creating Magic and/or How To Say Goodbye, you'll see why we may all need to save our body parts for our closest friends and family -- but we hope never to have to. Thank you for considering going to Skirt!

Who is worthy of your organs?

JOAN TIPPS GIRARD, IL — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:25:25 GMT

IF A KIDNEY WAS NEEDED TO SAVE A PERSONS LIFE AND I WAS NOT RELATED AND I HAD ONE THAT WAS A MATCH. I SURE WOULD. GOD GIVES YOU THINGS THAT CAN BE SHARED AND I BELIEVE THAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU CAN SHARE.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Debra McCraw, Ravia Oklahoma — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:29:22 GMT

I would like to know were Annamarie is from. Im asking because, My brothers and sisters and I have a half sister we have never meet. Her name is Annamarie and her maiden name is Phillips and her mather is from Main. she would be 53 right now and her birthday is in Dec. Please respond back Thank You Debra McCraw-Phillips

Who is worthy of your organs?

Brenda Carter, Lodge,SC — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Thank you for sharing this story. What a special person to share body parts with non-family members. This was a good cry!

Who is worthy of your organs?

Anita McGahan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:18:11 GMT

Stephanie, Im pretty sure that, if you were standing at my hospital bed, and the doctors correctly diagnosed that I would die unless you donated a kidney, that you would do it even against my strenuous objections that it might damage your health in the long run. But here's to hoping it never happens. And here's to Michael and Chris. -- Anita

Who is worthy of your organs?

Melissa, Salt lake City, Ut. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:25:13 GMT

I would like to give a shout out to the kidney donor!! I too donated a kidney to a co-worker whom I had known in passing for less than a year. Our surgery was on 10-11-05 and since then she has been healthy and my life has forever been better. Great to see other people in this world helping each other since in the end we are all family. Good luck to both of you with your recoveries!

Who is worthy of your organs?

Yvonne Berger West Haven, Utah — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:27:02 GMT

I loved your story of the Kidney donation. I had a 19 year old niece who had a kidney donated to her by a friend who worked with her, when none of her family matched. That was three years ago. A good followup store would be to show America how well they recover from the surgery and leave a normal life.
Organ donation is so very important to many people across the country and showing how well everyone does after would help the donation programs.

Thanks again for the wonderful story, a great way to start the day.

Yvonne

Who is worthy of your organs?

Beverly Alton, IL — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:27:48 GMT

Your story could not have come at a better time. As I write this I am waiting for test results to come back that I will be a match for a 17 year old girl who needs a kidney transplant. Like the donor in your story--it was very easy for me to make the decision to donate. I feel very good about my decision and would do it all over again if I needed to.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Ronald Brown, Melbourne, Fl. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:20:48 GMT

There should be more people who care about other people. I have a story about My daughter who donated two thirds of her liver to her brother as a living donor. This is interesting because,other than the skin, the liver is the only organ with the ability to regenerate itself. Should you like to pursue it please contact me.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Herbert Greene, Mendon, Utah — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:37:39 GMT

Even though I carry a donor sticker on my drivers license, I wouldn't share a kidney. However, the main reason for that is my kidneys are already like Annamarie's - I have PKD, too. And it's getting to be time for me to think about a kidney transplant and where it will come from - the tragic victim of a crash, one of the few relatives who avoided PKD, or a friend or acquaintance. Asking for such a gift is hard, maybe too hard. And expecting someone to take on the cost, risk, burden and time to make the donation seems so unreasonable. So, I wait and hope for some tragedy to happen to someone with the right tissue type, and a donor sticker on their drivers license.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Rhonda Brown, Bay, Arkansas — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:39:12 GMT

My husband's sister gave him a kidney in 1988. This year will be 20 years of life that he has enjoyed and his sister has not had any problems. Since I have been so close to this situation, I think that I would donate a kidney to a non-relative if the circumstances permitted.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Jan Mattoon, Hillsboro, OR — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:45:43 GMT

Your fears are understandable. It's one of those "that could never happen to me" issues. It happened to our family-big time. My husband and his family have a genetic disease Polycistic Kidney Disease "PKD". My husband had to have both kidneys removed in 2005, one was 14 lb., the other 15 lb. As with the Starbucks story, my husband met a complete stranger at a Blazer basketball game and 2 days later the stranger called in to be tested to donate a kidney to my husband. It was a perfect match! This stranger never ONCE looked back or even thought twice about it. The transplant went perfectly for 2 years. then a virus attacked his kidney. the kidney stopped working and he's been on dialysis for a year. He's been cleared for another transplant. We are looking for a donor once again. It proves that there ARE miracles, such as the Starbucks Angel. No one can know what giving an organ to someone who is "trapped" in dialysis or dying means to someone. We have lived it and know. We will never stop giving thanks for our angel-he gave so freely for someone he didn't know. We have fears we won't find a donor for my husband but bigger fears for our two daughters who both have PKD and will face the same challenges in their future. Our oldest daughter and her husband lost 2 little girls at birth to PKD. Our very first grandchildren and they died of the disease that is killing my husband and possibly our 2 daughters one day. That's what made US realize the importance of organ donation. It DOES enable a person to give LIFE to another. What greater gift in life can there be?
My husband speaks at schools about organ donation to help others understand the importance of giving. God Bless the Starbucks Angel!! We don't know you but we love you and will thank God for you today! Best wishes to you both in your recovery.

Who is worthy of your organs?

Hannah Turner, Eclectic, ALabama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:15:23 GMT

I believe organ doners are very brave caring people my dad was diagnosed with IPF and recieved a lung transplant that was bruised and never completely healed. He stayed on oxygen for the rest of his life while waiting on a double lung transplant. He died last March. The disease took over his life ,but he never once complained or lost his faith in Jesus Christ. My whole family are now doners and i encourage everyone to make that ddecision.

Hannah Turner

Who is worthy of your organs?

STACY BINDER, LEBANON, PA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:52:21 GMT

I am 36 years old and I am getting ready to go on the list for A kidney. I know you all want to do your part to help someone. This would be the BIGGEST help someone could do. I've had this problem for 10 years, all I know is how tired I am all the time, I can't go out with my friends at night because I need to sleep. My diet has changed to something I hate. I don't go out to eat, because almost all the foods are bad for me. Giving up 1 kidney to someone could change there life forever. You don't know how bad it is until you lived it. I am tired of living it!!

Who is worthy of your organs?

Nancy Weber- Seaside, Calif. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:54:39 GMT

I am looking for the best live organ donation site. I signed up already with matchingdonors.com but I accidentally put in the wrong email address and re-wrote them but have not heard anything back or have not received anything via email. So I want to sign up at another site. What suggestions do you have??Thank you

Who is worthy of your organs?

Washington, DC — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:58:27 GMT

I admire her for donating her kidney.
What I don´t understand is giving credit to Starbucks.