How do you "honor" your transplant?

Hi Jackie, I read your story and what a wonderful testimony. Reminds me too how lucky I felt after the pacemaker came out. I had gotten to the point that I had been shocked so much I had a form of ptsd so now 5 years later I feel so blessed to have received this beautiful gift. I am a bit jealous tho and all the places you have been. I saw a couple with the military but not as many as you. But I'm still hoping to in the future.

Thanks Jackie. What an incredible story you have! I have met several transplant patients that lived their lives under a cloud of underlying chronic medical issues, and have been amazed by their attitude and perseverance. My liver damage was acute and the result of septic shock. So I was not prepared for what was to come. Thank you for being a benefactor to Mayo and helping to support the amazing work they do. May you have many more years of good health. Gerry

I honor my donor by taking good care of myself (drinking lots of water, exercise, eat right, go to the doctors appt.)
If Mayo's says jump I say how high.
My Anniversary day is Thanksgiving weekend. Every year for 24 years I have been taking flowers to church alter. The parchment reads " In memory of the unknown angel ". That Thursday I make most of the dinner and celebrate with my family. We have all written letters and have not received a reply - and that is ok. It truly is a miracle as I was so close to death. God Bless the Mayo Clinic transplant Staff

I have become an advocate for my state's OPO speaking to high school driver's ED classes. Showing them that recipients can be healthy and vibrant. I've logged over 600 miles of jogging and power walking and have run rwo 5k runs for charity. I've also written and re I've letters fr my donor fMily.

@pinkpam Thank you! I too want to honor my Sister for donating part of her liver to me. 5 months post transplant.
I cry every time I see her. But she is the hero in this story! Getting others around me to appreciate life is hard. Esp my husband. How do I navigate his lack of concern for my gift? I take nothing for granted and live each day with awe & gratitude. Your post was touching. SEC

This year I celebrated the 20th anniversary of my heart transplant. Often when people learn of my transplant success they say how lucky I am. I point out that luck had nothing to do with it, but it was/is a continued blessing.
It was several years before I got a response from my donor family. Their grief over the loss of a child took a long time to to soften their hearts. They kept my letters, but had never opened them. I have since met the mother and have communicated with the sister.

I have posted on this before but wish to reshare. I have experienced the amazing gift of meeting my donor's family and the beautiful lady who received his lungs. I honour my donor by getting up every day. Take my meds as prescribed and attending all medical appointments. What I'm thankful for is the ability to go for walks, work in my garden and spend time with my family and friends. I honour my donor by spreading the word. I tell people about the importance of being a donor and that you (the donor) make a difference every day.