Saturday, September 20, 2008

"Update on 11-month-old needing liver"

I wanted to update everyone on the last post. I let everyone know that there was a family looking for a liver for their 11-month old boy.

I have wonderful news!

The night of this post, early in the morning, he received a cadaver liver.

The last I talked to the family, he was doing well.

Thank you to everyone that contacted me regarding this. I'm sure I'll be contacted about more in the future.

Melissa

Thursday, September 18, 2008

"Should I Donate?"

Hey everyone! I wanted to update everyone on what's going on in my life. I've gotten a lot of emails from readers asking how I'm doing and what's going on. I really appreciate people caring enough to check on me. Keep sending me emails. My email address is melswanson@gannett.com. There really hasn't been a whole lot of change since the last post. I'm doing very well. I can't complain. Othere than being tired, I'm not having any major complications.

I've had several people contact me b/c they're thinking of being a live donor. If anyone is interested in learning more about the donation process and how it works, feel free to email me. I will be glad to help you out in any way I can. My goal is to bring as much attention to living organ donation as possible.

I got the most heartbreaking email yesterday. A lady wrote me asking if I would consider donating part of my liver to her 11-month old son that's dying of liver failure. Unfortunately, liver failure is very progressive with no real treatment. So, he doesn't have much time. It is possible to donate part of your liver and your liver will regenerate itself. They put part of your liver in the recipient, and it also grows to a full liver. Anyway, it broke my heart to have to tell her that I was not able to donate part of mine at this time. I can't even consider something like that for another year. I wouldn't pass the tests since I just donated part of my kidney. Otherwise, I would definitely do it.

The little boys blood type is A+. So, if you're type A or type 0, you may be able to donate. If absolutely anyone that reads this is interested in learning more about donation or donating to this child, PLEASE contact me. I am working on getting some pictures and more information about the family. All I know right now is that they will probably be sent to Children's Hospital in Dallas if he gets a transplant.

I told the family that I would help them find a donor. So, I'm going to post updated information as I get it. PLEASE email me at any time with questions.

Melissa