Winding down the incredible year

From Martha:
As we are winding down the incredible year of joy, sacrifice and wonder, and anticipate our trip to Virginia for a check up at just over 6 months, I continue to offer thanks to so many wonderful amazing people in our lives. So many times since June 3rd, I have become emotional as I have thought back on the sacrifices my family has made for me and the incredible gift Ashley gave to me. What greater gift can someone... anyone, give to someone else but the gift of a renewed and hopefully more healthy life. And to have our daughter do that is still amazing to me...never once hesitating from the moment she knew I needed a liver transplant. I am ever indebted to her, and to Bryan as well, for the sacrifices he made for both of us this summer and continuing into fall, along with Ed keeping us all strong and being sure everyone was on an even keel while I am sure his stomach was churning. The sacrifices friends did for us..carting us here and there in Charlottesville, and other friends, supporting us with gatherings(some traveling long distances to be there) and everyone with encouraging, kind words. I am continually indebted to my doctors at Piedmont Hospital for giving me and my family the direction we wanted and needed at such a stressful time, and I will be forever thankful for the marvelous surgeons and the support staff at the University of Virginia Transplant center. The skill they use every day, bringing renewed life to those who are very sick is a true gift. As I have said before "ordinary people doing extraordinary things". My blood work continues to be 'normal' and I continue to play tennis (when the weather is not freezing), and yes,I am drinking more water than I ever have in my entire life! My meds are less than before the transplant, for which I am thankful, and I will just continue to keep on keeping on.

On a last note, we hear from time to time stories of "what happens when living donation goes wrong". Yes, it can happen, but the instances of it happening are few. Yes, it is quite sad when things go wrong. No one wants that, and that is why the donor is so thoroughly examined and tested and prepared mentally for what could be ahead. The donors clearly are scrutinized carefully and are cared for in a possibly more careful way because of the sacrifice they have made and because no one wants someone who has given so much to be in any way compromised. I would hope that through my and Ashley's experience, that more people will consider living organ or tissue donation. There are situations where people can be tested for bone marrow donation..a fairly painless way to let yourself be listed for that way of giving life to someone in need. Other living organ donations are very much a personal decision for the donor. Living donation for some organs is still in its "infancy", but as more doctors become skilled at this procedure and as more hospitals consider the options living donation provides for many people, I hope that more people will be able to receive the gift of life so desperately needed without the sacrifice of traveling a long distance to a participating hospital.

Thanks everyone, and we hope you all have as wonderful New Year as we anticipate in 2011!