@shepn7 You voice a concern that many transplant recipients and their families have. My husband received a deceased donor kidney Oct 2016. Previous, both of his adult children had offered to be tested as a living donor, but failed to follow through.

His recovery was uneventful, and his life-saving kidney, whom he named Kermit ["free man" in Gaelic, free from dialysis], continues to be a life-gift. He chose to write a letter to his donor's family. An organ donor chooses this path before death, and knows the gift they offer to someone else. By acknowledging the family's grief, and honoring the gift, he has completed the circle started by the donor. As he explained, he is now able to continue his love of volunteer work, of seeing his grandchildren grow up, and making a difference. He shares his story, his journey, often. Each 1 October, we honor the gift from his donor.

He has not heard from the donor family, and that is okay. He is grateful every day.
Ginger

Jump to this post