Looking back on the past sixteen months, well it really seems like a surreal blur of experiences beginning with Patrick's first trip to the hospital. The symptoms... the laundry list of medications... legal and financial documents... all of this as the kind of day-to-day management of the disease. Mentally the challenge has been to stay informed of the developments and weigh options... ... understanding Patrick's specific diagnosis and prognosis... the how-to's of dialysis treatment... who is the best donor candidate... these are the kinds of questions that have seemed unending.... each answer posing another question. The emotional aspect has been most surreal for Patrick and for our family.... the fear that was felt upon first hearing the words "organ failure"... the pain of coping with limitations in ability and lifestyle at such a young age... questioning why this had to happen. Of course these feelings are shared my many millions of people who experience chronic and terminal illnesses, and when it happens to you, a changed perspective on life is found. We have a renewed appreciation for loved ones, and want to send a message to you all that friendship, family and love make life precious. All of the love, kindness and support that we have received are blessings beyond words. This holiday season we hold them dear in our hearts.
~Kate
This year has been a wonder. Strange to think that, but looking closer I have learned this, life is more than we can handle. We all need help from time to time. In my case, I would not be able to live with out the help of medical staff. Further, the only way for me to regain my health is through the gift of another. This year i have been blessed by having first my sister and then a life long friend reach out to me with the MOST precious gift that they could offer. The gift means life. The gift is a piece of themselves. The miracle is that Morgan is the PERFECT match!!!!! The gift cannot come without risk to the donor. Morgan is giving of himself, putting himself in harm's way. This year my friend has given me the best Christmas yet. Thanks to all who have expressed their love, given their prayers and thoughts. I look forward to finding you in the new year and in a new way.
-Patrick
To acknowledge Morgan and all of the individuals who have made the selfless choice to give a life-saving kidney donation, we have posted several links to stories and sites about altrusitic donation. In the past decade, there have been over one hundred anonomous living kidney donors, who have undergone transplant surgery so that one of their kidneys could save the life of stranger. It seems that most of the people who have donated altrusitically have done so because of a relationship with a loved one who suffered from kidney disease. Over the past year we have discovered that many of the medical staff involved in renal health and dialysis clinics have also had personal experiences with kidney disease that have inspired them to work in the field. We thank and honor all those who touch the lives of others in time of need, and give selflessly the gift of life.
"Stranger's Gift Changes Four Lives"
"Give a Kidney- One's Enough"
"Living Kidney Donation Blog"
