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Kindness and Generosity
January 5, 2003
I have received two liver transplants. The first liver failed after three (3) weeks; the second has worked fine for the last seven years. My liver disease was primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which is supposedly a genetically-linked inflammation of the bile ducts. PSC is a very rare liver disease. PSC killed Walter Payton, the former Chicago Bears Running Back and NFL Hall of Famer.
My second donated liver came from a nineteen year old man. After my surgery in 1995, I wrote a letter to the donor’s family thanking them for their kindness and generosity. Approximately three years later I heard from the donor’s father. He called me on a Sunday night and told me who he was. What do you say to this kind man? I remember mumbling my profound thanks, and after a minute or two, I was able to regain some semblance of composure and inquire as to his name, address and phone number.
I have corresponded with the donor’s family over the years, and I was elated to learn that besides myself, several other people had received this young man’s organs that either saved their lives or greatly enhanced their lives. (Three years after transplantation all recipients were doing well.)
From our conversations, I know that this father still grieves for his only son. It’s not supposed to be that way: the child should not pre-decease the parent. A situation made even more difficult because my donor committed suicide.
It’s definitely a blessing that something good and positive came out of such a tragic loss. Several people benefited from the kindness and generosity of my donor’s family. The decision to donate their son’s organs must have been extremely difficult under the circumstances, yet, they chose to help others during a period of unimaginable mourning. Needless to say, I treasure the second chance at life – made even more enjoyable by the addition of two grandchildren that I would have never known if not for the gift of life.
Organ donation: Think about it.
John