I didn't know my donor or his family. All I know is that he was a 22-year old male who passed away, lived in the area, was an organ donor, & I received his kidney and pancreas to save my life.

I wrote his family letters and hoped to hear back from them, but I can understand why they'd prefer not to reply. It's painful to lose someone you love. I just wanted to let them know how I spend my life trying to bring joy to others' lives, too.

In the ER, before I closed my eyes on the day of transplant surgery (6/1/13), I commanded my spirit to make it through and told myself that--- when I woke up--- I was going to make my donor proud. If something were to happen to me tomorrow, I can proudly say that I've done exactly that. I'm so eternally grateful.

March is National Kidney Month (and 3/12 is World Kidney Day). Take care of yourselves, get regular check-ups, keep hydrated, love one another, & think about becoming an organ donor. I'm living proof that it's worth it. 💚