11th Heart Transplant Anniversary

It is hard to fathom 11 years have gone by since I received a new heart. It is even harder to put into words what those 11 years have meant to me.

I wish I could say I live every day like it is my last, cherish each breath, and find beauty in all things, but I am just as flawed as I was before receiving this second chance at life. I am often reminded how easy it is to take things for granted, allowing hours or even days to forget about where I have been. While there is solace in not dwelling on the past, there is just as much pain in not making sense of it.

The only sense I can make of anything has been brought through connections with people. Whether that is in a collective laugh or shared loss, I owe it all to my loved ones, family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and more. The only way I know how to celebrate this milestone is with you and for you. That said, celebrating means little without acknowledging the sacrifice made by my donor. With love, admiration, and appreciation, I ask you to join me in helping inspire Americans to become organ donors and help the next sick individual get another chance at life.

I'm raising money to benefit Donate Life America. Anything you can donate will help make an impact on the future of organ donation. Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 non-profit alliance of national partners and state teams committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation and developing a culture of trusted donation expectation. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me.