long update of my whereabouts

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
long update of my whereabouts
12
Thu, 01-03-2008 - 11:34am
Hi everyone. I used to be a frequent poster on this board up until a year ago when I got cancer. I'm NED now so thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers sent out my way during that time. Since then, my twelve year old son died. Marc was very, very ill, but his numbers weren't high enough for the transplant centers. His numbers shot up dramatically, but he also suffered three cardiac arrests and extensive brain damage. His liver transplant was a success, but it was bittersweet when he wouldn't wake up and the scans showed gross damage in his brain. Marc was ranked in the top one percent nationally in his standardized testing, he was friendly, warm and had a wicked sense of humor and they left us with a warm body hooked up to machines.
There have a been a lot of stories this holiday season and even a float in the Rosebowl parade about donations. At some level I knew this was an important thing to do, but now I know how desperate it is when you can't donate to your own child because of some cancer you had or some weird gene the father has and people start to line up to be tested and it doesn't happen in time for your child.
Please talk to your family and children about the importance of donation. Marc was being treated in top pediatric transplant center if not THE top pediatric transplant center and they lost two other children in October along with Marc. I don't think the unit is used to losing this many, but the children have to be EXTREMELY sick in order to qualify for a liver. We just need more people to donate. I know that Marc has already inspired one family to donate their mother's organs. The school secretary died the same week as Marc and because she was so concerned for him, they felt that that's what she would have wanted. If I can get just one of you to reconsider and to put that little pink sticker on your license because of Marc's story, that is a good birthday present to me. It's a beautiful gift.
So, counting points went out the window this summer and I'm going up the scale, but I am determined to gain no more. I'm not ready to take out my little books and journal, but I am committed to working out 3-4 times a week and to eat more veg/fruit.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2004
Thu, 01-03-2008 - 12:20pm
Gosh, I don't even know what to say......know that I am so sorry to hear about all the things that have happened over the past year for you.
 
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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Thu, 01-03-2008 - 4:19pm

Welcome back!


Thanks so much for sharing about Marc.

Avatar for britches0323
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2004
Thu, 01-03-2008 - 9:59pm
What a long, difficult year it has been for you... I want you to know that I've had friends in your position and I have a donor sticker on my license.

 

kristenskull.png picture by britches0323

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
Fri, 01-04-2008 - 8:10am

Big hugs to you and your family, you've been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be, I can't imagine the ache in your heart :(


I am already signed up as a donor but thought I would toss out the link in case anyone


didn't think to sign up at the sec. of state and wanted to sign up from home.


hugs


steph


iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Fri, 01-04-2008 - 8:38am
(((hugs)))) and my condolences to you.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 01-05-2008 - 12:41pm
I love the French spelling of 'GO'- that is too cute! Thanks for your support.
Susan
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 01-06-2008 - 4:39pm
Thanks, Stephanie! I only know about putting on a pink sticker on my CA license. I didn't realize there was a national registry.
Avatar for reestar
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 01-07-2008 - 1:13am
I am also sorry for your loss.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-31-2005
Mon, 01-07-2008 - 4:50pm

I am very, very sorry to hear of your loss.

Summer Siggie

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2005
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 12:35pm

Many many hugs and prayers for you and your family.

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