Thanks to the donor who saved my life
Coeur d'Alene Press | Dave Babb
Today, thanks to a person I will never meet, I will wish myself a Happy Birthday. I was actually born in June 1956. But last year, on Sept. 13, I was fortunate enough to receive a liver transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center. This day has now become my second birthday.
Approximately 20 years ago I was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a disease which has an unknown cause and ultimately results in liver failure and death. The only "cure" for this disease is organ transplantation. At the time of my diagnosis, I was told, "Don't worry about it. Someday you may need a transplant, but if so, that's a long time from now." Well, contrary to the old adage, "someday" does come.
After nearly two years of being on the waiting list I began experiencing significant liver failure and rapidly deteriorating health. I would take my phone everywhere I went for more than 22 months. I jumped every time it rang hoping I was being summoned for transplant. Over time my test results became more critical. I began to wonder if I was one of the many people who could not hold on long enough. As time was running out, I got "the call" on 9/11 of last year.
My wife and I urgently boarded the MedStar air ambulance bound for Seattle. The professionals at MedStar were wonderful and I can't thank them enough for getting me there on time. At Boeing Field I was transferred to a ground ambulance and rushed to the University Hospital. For the next three months I received care that I'm sure is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.
Today, thanks to a person I will never meet, I will wish myself a Happy Birthday. I was actually born in June 1956. But last year, on Sept. 13, I was fortunate enough to receive a liver transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center. This day has now become my second birthday.
Approximately 20 years ago I was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a disease which has an unknown cause and ultimately results in liver failure and death. The only "cure" for this disease is organ transplantation. At the time of my diagnosis, I was told, "Don't worry about it. Someday you may need a transplant, but if so, that's a long time from now." Well, contrary to the old adage, "someday" does come.
After nearly two years of being on the waiting list I began experiencing significant liver failure and rapidly deteriorating health. I would take my phone everywhere I went for more than 22 months. I jumped every time it rang hoping I was being summoned for transplant. Over time my test results became more critical. I began to wonder if I was one of the many people who could not hold on long enough. As time was running out, I got "the call" on 9/11 of last year.
My wife and I urgently boarded the MedStar air ambulance bound for Seattle. The professionals at MedStar were wonderful and I can't thank them enough for getting me there on time. At Boeing Field I was transferred to a ground ambulance and rushed to the University Hospital. For the next three months I received care that I'm sure is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.
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"You have the power to SAVE lives."
To register as a donor TODAY
In California:
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
Outside California:
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net
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