After a long day, some quality time with extended family, and what feels like 12 lbs of Grammy’s cooking settling in my belly, MP and I are home, readying to roll ourselves into bed.
As we read the final story of the night, I held her tight and said a silent prayer of thanks for this beautiful child I adore and can’t imagine life without. This child I love more than life itself.
And my thoughts turned to another blogger, who also has a daughter. Two weeks ago, she reached out across the Blogosphere, in the hopes that someone, somewhere would help save her child’s life. With the outpouring of support I’ve seen all over the Internet this past week, I realize chances are good you’re probably already familiar with her story, but on the off chance you aren’t, I thought I’d share.
She’s come into my thoughts nearly every day since I read this post. I spent two years working in the organ donation industry. I’ve been a passionate advocate for the cause ever since. And three years ago, my SIL donated her kidney to her mother. I had a small idea what this blogger’s daughter may have ahead.
More than that, though, I’m a mom. I couldn’t imagine being in her shoes.
And now, against all odds, it seems her prayers have been answered. What an incredible testament to the power of the Internet, and this amazing community we’re all a part of.
I am in awe.
Today, among many, many other things, I am thankful for connectivity. For all of YOU. And for a renewal of faith that miracles DO happen.
Happy Thanksgiving, Doogs. You rock.
Mommy Pie 
I am so glad to hear that she has a donor! Like you I am thankful for the bloggers and the community that we have. Happy Thanksgiving! My world is so much nicer with you in it.
The generosity of live organ donors is wonderful. It’s a shame we need so many live organ donors. Americans bury or cremate 20,000 transplantable organs every year.
There is another good way to put a big dent in the organ shortage — if you don’t agree to donate your organs when you die, then you go to the back of the waiting list if you ever need an organ to live.
Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors. It will also make the organ allocation system fairer. About 50% of the organs transplanted in the United States go to people who haven’t agreed to donate their own organs when they die.
Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die. Membership is free at http://www.lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888-ORGAN88. There is no age limit, parents can enroll their minor children, and no one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition.
That’s great news!
I hadn’t heard about this, (I’ve been so wrapped up in my own stuff lately I’ve barely “connected” with anyone lately) until I saw it out here. It’s awesome that you shared it with everyone. I’m really uplifted after reading it, especially after recent nastiness out here, it’s so nice to read something like this — that the positive power of the blogosphere is bigger than the negativity it sometimes breeds.
I am so glad Marielle has a donor! Her story made me hold The Little Imp extra close for an extra long time tonight.