April is Donate Life Month. This is a perfect time to encourage organ donation.
I was introduced to the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) early in my nursing career. I told my family to donate my organs if ever there was an opportunity to do so. I have it on my driver’s license as well.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which progressed to the need for a liver transplant. On Jan. 6, 2021 (my birthday), I was placed on the donor list. With no idea how long I would have to wait, life became precious and scary. On Jan. 23, 2021, I received a call to come to UPMC Montefiore hospital. I received a new liver that day from someone I never met, but he became my special friend. After a six-month recovery, I returned to work as a nurse educator at Excela Health.
As you can imagine, organ donation means so much more now. My wait was exceptionally short compared to most patients on the donor list. I feel blessed, to say the least. Approximately 17 people die per day awaiting an organ transplant. One donor can give a lifesaving gift to eight people.
I have been given a whole new life. There are no words to explain the gratitude I feel for the man who gave me his liver. I would not be here if not for him.
Please consider organ donation. Become a special friend to someone who is desperately fighting for life. “Donate Life” says it all. To learn more, call 800-DONORS-1.
Debra Moffa
Hempfield