On April 2, 2016 Erin and I met and built a one of a kind friendship after being turned down by one hospital to become her organ donor. So passionate about continuing to spread the word on donation and its importance we never let the idea of encouraging others to “be more” in this life come to an end. Since then, Erin chose to get on another hospital’s list in search of her life saving organ.
Without hesitation, I enrolled immediately to try again. I knew my purpose in her life wasn’t complete just yet. A rollercoaster of emotions later, we finally got the answer we have prayed so long for. It was me. I was going to be Erin’s donor. I was going to be able to give her the life she deserves with her family and hopefully to start one of her own with her husband, Rich.
On September 12, 2017, we underwent our surgery. Her new kidney worked immediately and her dialysis port was removed. We are now one-month post-op and happier than ever. Donation isn’t easy, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat to see that giant smile on Erin’s face as I walked to her one-day post-op. My heart overflows with emotion and my life has gained so much more purpose. I may have saved her life, but Erin and God truly saved mine by trusting me to be more in this world.
