True Life Heroes

Got my bags packed! Well just one carry on zebra print suitcase :) Bryan and I have learned how to pack light after having to fly to Pittsburgh sooooo many times. I just want to share with everyone how much I LOVE my transplant team at the University of Pittsburgh. Even though it may sound like a broken record. . .

This world is full of good people, better people and great people. However, there are the few in this world who are truly amazing people. Those amazing people are true life heroes. Being that I have had a terminal illness my entire life, I have been some of the lucky few to personally know many of these amazing people. I have 4 in particular who I will always hold a special place in my heart. These 4 people are counted among my heroes.

First, Paul, my pre-transplant coordinator. Back in November 2007, he was the first person who told me "You need to come here, we can help you". Those were the words I had been searching and longing to hear. He not only told me that, but he was right. Paul wasn't just a voice on the phone 2000 miles away, but he was my hope. When I met Paul in person for the first time On Dec 3rd 2007, I knew I was in the right place and I immediately knew Paul was an amazing person. It all felt familiar and despite feeling my absolute worst ever. . .I had a comforting peace.

Second, Dr. Pilewski. I did not meet him until I was too sick to even remember our encounter. It was my last and final stop of my evaluation schedule. I honestly cannot recall any words we exchanged or what he may have told me. I was just hours away from my final curtain call in the story of my life. He had every reason to turn me away, to sadly shake his head and walk away. But he saw I had no one or nowhere else to turn. He knew I needed help. He had compassion. He is the most amazing person I have been blessed with in my life. I really don't know who makes the call, who makes the ultimate decision. . .but I knew Dr. Pilewski played a very large role. He is incredible. I know he cares about his patients. . . about me.

Many doctors are counted among the amazing people in this world.

Third is my surgeon. Dr McCurry. What an incredible calling and talent in life. My life was literally in his hands (and many others on the surgical team). I don't know how many surgeries he has performed, but I am sure it's many and will continue to be many more. He has since left Pittsburgh and is now saving lives in Cleveland.

I cannot forget my post transplant coordinator, Leslie. She keeps me in tip top shape. If I slack off one bit. . .I know I have to answer to her. If I have any problems or concerns I know she is always there. I know how busy and overwhelmed she is. She helps more patients than I can probably guess. I also know Leslie cares about her patients and about me. It takes a team of amazing people to do such amazing things!!

All of these people sacrifice their time and talents to save lives every day. They are all angels in my eyes. I thank their families for sacrificing time with them so they can be where they are needed to save people like me and thousands of others. This is one reason I am looking forward to my trip to Pittsburgh because I get to see these amazing people again.


Save a Life* Be Someone's Hero* Be an Organ Donor