The Gift of Life Blog: Becoming an Altruistic Kidney Donor

So much to do...so little time...

My friend, Roxanne, and I drove to LA today for an appointment she had. I noticed many homeless people and wondered how they would spend the holidays. I know there are many government resources available, but with the budget cuts, these programs are not able to supply as much food, clothing, and housing as they have in the past.

Non-profits are also feeling the effect of our economic crisis. People are not donating as much money either. However, because so many are out of work, volunteerism is on the rise. When you volunteer, you and the person you help both receive.

There are so many places to volunteer; so many people who need our help. If you're not sure where to start, visit California Volunteers website at www.californiavolunteers.org. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays!

A holiday party at an Orange, CA Children's Hospital...

Today was another great day for me. Yes, that's me dressed as an elf with Santa Claus. Even though Santa held the baby, the baby only had eyes for me!

Santa and I took pictures with the children then delivered presents to each of their rooms. I gave small red glass hearts to the children, parents, siblings, staff, and doctors.

My heart is filling with the joy of Christmas every day. I think many people are realizing you don't have to have or spend a lot of money on presents. Spending time with those you love or need help, is what the season means to me.

I hope by next Christmas, I will be celebrating with the recipient of my kidney!

CASA Holiday Party...

Today was the annual CASA holiday party that brings CASAs, CASA case managers, foster children, and other volunteers together to celebrate.

This year the party was held at an office that was decorated with Christmas trees, balloons, snowflakes, and ornaments.

The children received a wonderful presents. There were opportunities to do crafts like painting and decorating pine cones, painting picture frames, having their pictures taken with siblings, Santa, elves, and, of course, their CASAs. They also were given new books, there was a DJ that led them in dancing, and face painting. A wonderful lunch was also provided.

It was a wonderful family affair!

Coping with stress...

Who doesn't have stress? We all have it. It's part of our lives. We're inundated with information. We're losing our jobs. We're losing our retirement funds. We're facing uncertainty.

What are we supposed to do? I personally am taking steps to relieve the stress in my life. Being unemployed is creating a tremendous amount of stress. It's difficult to sleep. "Monkey brain" keeps me awake as I wonder what tomorrow will bring? More stress or hopefully a job. I keep reminding myself that there's nothing I can do about my present position at 2 a.m.

After doing some research, I compiled a list of things to do...you may find them helpful, too.

You will feel better if you can find ways to get stress out of your system. The best ways to relieve stress are different for each person. Try some of these ideas to see which ones work for you:

• Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started.
• Write. It can help to write about the things that are bothering you.I journal every day.
• Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to with someone you trust. My nature is to shut down, but I have learned to open up and let it all hang out!
• Do something you enjoy. A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others is a great stress reliever.
• Relax your body with breathing or muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, or Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
• Focus on the present. Meditate. Use imagery exercises or self-hypnosis. Listen to relaxing music. Look for the humor in life. Laughter really is be the best medicine. Find at least one thing to laugh out loud about every day!

CASA - Helping a foster child...

Yesterday I mentioned one joy I have. Another is my foster child. I'm a CASA (Court-appointed Special Advocate) and spend time with my child weekly.

This is a wonderful program that was started in Washington state by a judge who saw a need for foster children to have a one-on-one relationship with someone who would be their advocate. Since a foster child has an attorney and social worker who has many other children as clients, a CASA's job is to be there for the foster child to ensure that the child's best interests are met.

I'm coming up to my first anniversary in this program and it has been an extremely rewarding...and enlightening...experience as I learn more about the challenges of these special children.

If you're interested in becoming a CASA, please visit their website at www.casaforchildren.org.

Looking forward to the Holidays...

I've had a few job interviews, but one looks really good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get a job offer before Christmas. If I do, I probably won't start working until the New Year, but if I know I have one, I will be able to breathe easier.

So many of my family members and friends are experiencing the same financial crisis I am. During the holiday season, one of the things that keeps joy in my heart is the fact that I will be helping some have a better quality of life with the kidney I'm donating.

My focus turns to finding a job...

Since I've been out of work for a month (has it been that long already?), I have been sending a ton of resumes to online job websites, with little response. People say the economy is getting better, but when you're out of work, it doesn't feel like it.

I'm watching my pennies and doing the best I can to find work. I thank God every day for my children, family, and friends who "kick me in the butt" when I start getting down.

Some ask if I should go through with my plans of donating a kidney. I tell them this is one of the few things bringing me joy right now!

The next step...

I heard from Suzanne today and was told that on Dec. 18, the transplant committee will meet and review all the donors' information and see who they want to use as candidates. I hope I'm chosen...I don't see why I wouldn't be.

Then once I'm approved (I have to keep the faith), then I will be matched with a recipient. Obviously this means it won't happen for the holidays as I had wished, but it will happen when it's best for the recipient! I just have to be patient.

A day of rest...

I finally can breathe easier now that the stress test is over. I know if it takes a while to find a recipient, I have to have another one, but I know what to expect now and plan to keep myself as healthy as I can - eating the right foods and exercising!

I'm looking forward to hearing from Suzanne about what the next step will be early this week.

I also met Dr. Brison, the doctor who will do the operation...

I was so excited about passing the stress test (although I won't hear the "official" results until next week after the doctor looks them over), that I didn't mention I met Dr. Daniel Brison, one of the doctors who will remove my kidney.

Even though I read a lot about the operation, it was exciting to hear Dr. Brison tell me exactly what he will do. Normally the left kidney is taken. He looked at my results and said, yes, that's the one. He then said it was "abnormal" insomuch as it has an extra vein (most kidneys have one protruding from it). He said not to worry because only about 20% of the population have a "textbook" inside. Doesn't that make them abnormal and the rest of us normal?

Anyway, he drew diagrams of the laparoscopic incisions (on the paper you sit on when you're examined ... I took it home). He then drew larger incisions by my rib on straight down the abdomen (and around the bellybutton) in case something happens that would cause them to have to do repairs on organs or stop the bleeding. Once again he reassured me this is rare and not to worry.

He drew diagrams of how my organs are situated around the kidney and where the cuts would be (they keep the vein as long as possible so the doctor who is doing the transplant has a lot to work with). He also said they do two operations every Tuesday and Wednesday and the patients recover quickly (two days in the hospital, back to work in a week...if all goes well).

Dr. Brison said after the operation, I will meet the recipient if he or she wishes. He said many form a bond. I hope this happens with us as well!