I’ve received lots of very nice messages regarding my recent kidney donation, lauding a sense of courage, an attitude of selflessness, and a spirit of giving. But I consider these to be misdirected. I took the easy road. I laid on tables for exams, proffered limbs for blood draws, took medicated naps, and bared my belly for inspection — I generally just let really nice people take really good care of me.

I began to take note of the members of my care team during my three-day stay at Hennepin Healthcare, and gathered a list of no fewer than fifty names. This doesn’t include individuals who stood in the background: transport, environmental services, nutrition and dining, administration, and beyond. One thread ran common through every team member – and I don’t use “every” lightly. Each and every person who cared for me was compassionate, caring, and cooperative. I felt cared for by a team: not just by RNs Hannah, or Glory, or Jen; not only by surgeons Drs. Hill, Stahler, Richardson, and Cich, nor just nurse practitioners Ellen and Erin. The whole was truly greater than the sum of its parts. Above all, the living donor team made each step of this journey as predictable and comfortable as possible: chaplain Steve, dietitian Donna, social worker Sarah, pharmacist Tracy, and (the exceptional) coordinator Jenny.

And that’s just the medical team!

Dad bussed parcels and patients to clinics and parking garages, stood careful vigil during surgery, and opened a pocketbook to finance room and board for convalescing.
Sister Julie found housing, shuttled goods home and away, and managed never-ending piles of laundry and sinkfuls of dishes.
Sister Janelle came with a full weekend menu and prepared nutritious and filling meals – the truest way to this sister’s heart – with just an electric griddle and a Crock-Pot in a hotel room.
Sister Johanna meal-planned, kitchen cleaned, and delighted us with memorable song and dance.
Sister Jennifer burned midnight oil praying and hoping and cheering from a thousand miles away, then came to cook and clean to boot.
Many, many friends prayed and called, gifted shawls and blankets (and snacks!!), and checked in on our progress.

What a group effort! And what a joy and privilege to be able to play a part.

Thank you, thank you, everyone, for caring for us – caring for me – in this life-changing time. I won’t be doing it again (I had only one spare to share), but I have no regrets that I took the opportunity.

Could I ask you to do one more thing? I would be honored if you would take a few minutes to prayerfully peruse http://www.DonateLife.net. There are impactful stories of encouragement and hope springing from a spirit of generosity, and answers to many questions regarding organ donation. At the very least, I ask you to review your registration regarding organ donation upon death; your decision today could save up to eight lives. It only takes a couple minutes! Why take working parts where you won’t need them anymore? 💞