There are a few national media groups (I'm not allowed yet to say who) are interested in our story. I've been asked to find out if any of my blog readers who have changed their minds about organ donation or have decided to become an organ donor for the first time because of reading our story might be interested in sharing their thoughts with a reporter or two.
If that's you, and you are seriously interested in helping us tell our story, please leave a comment under this post (don't email me!) with a brief synopsis of how/why our story has helped you make the decision to become an organ donor, including your previous thoughts/opinions about organ donation.
I don't know for sure if anything will come of this, and I won't be the one making the decision about who might be selected.
Thanks!
Nate
You have made a difference in the way that I feel about organ donation. I do not want to be interviewed or be a part of a story though. Nope.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy brother received a kidney from his wife a few years ago and he is doing great but I still had not made a point to let my family know my intentions until now. I put it on my drivers license a long time ago but I told my husband that I wanted him to make sure that anything I had that was viable was to be donated and you are to thank for that. I hope this story helps get the word out for you. You have been quite a blessing to many for sharing your story.
ReplyDeletei'm with ginnyberry, you all are the reason i am now an organ donor, but the thought of an interview makes me puke in my mouth.
ReplyDeleteI have been so moved by your story. I am in awe of Tricia's determination and that God blessed you both with Gwyneth. I can not begin to comprehend the magnitude of your situation which humbles me and my belief in the power of prayer and God's will. Your story has been such a blessing in my life and has made me refoucus my commitment to Christ. I can only hope that in my passing that I can contribute in some small way to make life better for anothers, organ donation seems to be the most logical way to do so. I never had entertained the idea but in sharing your story I have completely changed my views.
ReplyDeleteI had thought about donating my organs in the past but never could bring myself to do it. I have asked others about it and what their thoughts were. A lot of what others thought brought me to not be whole hearted on the idea. I was told that they might be in a rush to let you go because they would know others could be saved, bodies were being violated, etc. Being Catholic I also needed to know if the church deemed it to be honorable or not.
ReplyDeleteI do not really even remember how I found Nate and Tricia's story but I did and everything happens for a reason! After reading their story, I was so touched. I looked further into the myths of organ donation, looked on the website of organ donation, looked on the church's teaching of donation and prayed.
I had an urgency to decide because in the next 6 days I go in for surgery to remove a large cyst on my pancreas. This surgery will involve taking out the cyst but also more than likely part of my pancreas and all of my spleen. Not likely cancerous but not 100 % positive it's not either.
So because of Tricia's bravery and the miracles that have come into your life due to an organ donor, after prayer, I have decided to become an organ donor and I say it with much peace in my heart.
Your story has touched many. More than you will ever know this side of heaven.
God's blessings-
I have been following your story since the begining of January. I always kind of put off really saying if I wanted to be a donor. But since reading your story I thought alot about and decided that I would want to be a donor. When my birthday came around this year I had to renew my driver's license and when I recieved it in the mail there was a thing to sign up to be a donor. I did it! Thank you so much for showing me how important it is to be a donor and to let your family know your wishes.
ReplyDeleteYour story has been so moving and I'm so happy that you have Tricia and Gwyneth home with you, sort of.
ReplyDeleteI have always checked the "donor" box whenever I renewed my driver's license, even back when I was 17. I could never think of a good reason not to. Your story has caused me to make sure my husband knows how adamant I am about being a donor. In turn I have caused him to think about becoming a donor as well. I, too, have no desire to be interviewed, but I hope my comment adds to the numbers your "media" folk would like to see.
I have been a donor since litteraly age 10, when I asked my mom what it meant on her licence. So your story didnt help me make my desicion, but it sure answered a lot of questions. I had no idea just how MUCH could be donated. I thought main organs. I never thought about tissue and skin. I also am going to sign up to be a marrow donor. I dont mind bieng interviewed. I dont really know what I could add though.
ReplyDeleteI was completly against organ donation before I found your blog. The though of my eyes being cut out of my bosy or my lungs etc made me feel very upset. But after following your story I have my card, If it wernt for the donors lungs and decsion gwenyth wouldnt have a mommy here on earth. I cant imagine being gone from my 2 year old son, or him being gone from me. I signed up to donated everything, and my husband has always been a donor. Thanks for changing my mind and sharing your story. I hope my parts are used once for many people someday.
ReplyDeletethank you all.
I'm not going to type it all out here (one reason because I just wrote a super long email..), but because of this blog, I am in the process of becoming a bone marrow donor. I have always tried to do what I could in the way of tissue donation...I donated my son's umbilical cord for the stem cells after he was born. Since my father passed away from cancer, I knew I needed to do something to help..Nathan lit that fire under my butt.
ReplyDeleteI have also started taking better care of myself, knowing one day I will be called on to give a life saving gift to someone.
I don't know why everyone isn't an organ donor, especially when people like Nate and Tricia's family needs them.
WOW! I just caught up with your story, but I know I have heard it before! I absolutely would consider organ donation, interviews don't bother me, but I don't feel like I've probably been around long enough. Who would want to talk to me?? :)
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that... God is good. I love your story and it makes me so happy to see God's blessings in other people's lives. You are truly an inspiration!
When I was a teenager I had a cousin born with a heart defect. As a result she was on a donor list for several months. She finally received a heart, just in time. Fast foreward 14 years and her kidneys started to fail. She received a living donor kidney from her father. I have always marked myself as an organ donor but after hearing your story it makes me really reafirm my position for me, my husband and my children. Thanks for sharing your amazing story.
ReplyDeleteI became an organ donor because of your blog. I'd never thought much about it, other than it kinda gave me the willies. But your story touched my heart and it became more how to save a life than how to plan for death, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI have always told my family that I wanted to be an organ donor. I thought telling them was enough. Last year a lady in our church had to have new lungs, she was my age and was thought to be healthy having a baby made some birth defect she had with her heart more prevalent and weak, she is much better now, After this incident I told my Sunday school class that I wanted to be an organ donor. I thought, now a ton of people know, I am covered. As I have followed your story I have often thought that maybe the person who would be willing to give up their organs, the one who would match Tricia had told someone, but maybe that someone was on vacation when they were killed in a car accident, or maybe they had only secretly thought of wanting to donate and never got around to telling anyone. I would be horrified to know I passed away and my perfectly good organs went to waste. It was actually all of the FYI posts that made me realize I needed to register to donate. I had no clue! And when I see how awesome Tricia looks now, I can not imagine how awesome that would make some family feel someday! Their is a man that comes to the restaurant where I work who needed a kidney and I seriously thought about seeing if I would be a match for him, but he got a match the week I was going down. You don’t have to be dead to drop a kidney! Your blog has really impacted my heart and even though I have always been a huge supporter of organ donation, I am now n=more so than ever, and I tell people at work about the website where you have to register and stuff. It is a huge decision, but one that you have to make public if you decide to go forth with it!
ReplyDeleteI am with many others in saying that I would not wish to be interviewed, but in the case of the media wanting to see how this has affected the readers, I just wanted to share my two cents.
ReplyDeleteI'm 20 years old, I know I'm a lot younger than a lot of others that read this blog but for the short, almost five years that I have had my license, I checked the organ donor box on my license. However, my father has always said that he would never let me donate my organs if something should happen to me. It scared him a lot to think of that situation and I'm sure the last thing that you want to hear is that your young daughter wants to donate her body when she dies (God forbid) before yourself. I have always told him of my wishes but have always been weary of if he would actually follow through with what I would want.
I started reading your journal in early January and I really don't know how I came across it. One of those things I guess, but after seeing the wonderful way in how organ donation has affected your lives, I had to share this with my father. I believe this journal has let my father look at organ donation from "the other side" of the picture. He has seen from your journey how your family will now grow and thrive because of organ donation. I think that when he thinks of my wishes now he won't be so adamant about his previous thoughts.
Again, I think these stories are important to show the media how much your story has affected many readers. I hope this helps :)
Jen in Illinois
I'm a registered nurse who has always felt conflicted about organ donation. I've helped care for children whose organs were eventually harvested and that affected me greatly. I never felt like I would be strong enough to make such a decision for a loved one (particularly my child) and the whole concept bothered me deeply. It's been good for me to see the other side of organ donation by watching your story unfold so intimately. You can't change the fact that someone has unfortunately passed away but you can change the life of someone still here desperately hoping for more time. In short, your story has helped me feel less embattled about organ donation and has given me a clearer perspective.
ReplyDeleteI wish very much I could help you with this, but I have been a FIRM believer in organ donation for over 30 years! And everyone in my family knows how I feel, and knows I'd come back to haunt them if they didn't follow my wishes!! :-)))
ReplyDeleteI even have it written as part of my living will/Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
As an ICU nurse for over 25 years, I've seen JUST how much this can mean... Your and Tricia & Gywneth's story has only deepened my convictions.
Blessings ~
Blessings ~
Basically the way that you Nate have shared your story in such a personal and real way put a face to a need that is not so un-common all around the country, people waiting for life saving transplants. It became something more than just occ hearing a news story about it which eventually fades away, you allowed us to live it with you and Tricia on a minute by minute basis so the decision for me was truly a no brainer. Why would you not become an organ donor?
ReplyDeleteReading this blog has TOTALLY helped me in my decision to become a donor. I have told my family and will be putting it on my licence which it up for renewal. I have thought about it in the past but have never had a huge desire to do so, but now i do. And i am also asking friends and family to do so as well. Thanks to this blog.
ReplyDeleteDear Nate,
ReplyDeleteIt is 3 am and while I should have gone to bed hours ago, I happened upon your blog and have been reading for hours. When I was a teen a babysat for a young boy with CF and have a small idea of what goes on in the daily life of a person living with CF. I have participated in Great Strides walks in the past and wanted you to know that I will make sure to look up the next walk in my area in the morning as it has been a few years since I've participated. I think it is amazing the way you have opened your lives in order to educate people, thereby advancing the search for a cure. I pray Tricia's health will continue to improve until the time there is a cure and that Gwyneth will get bigger and stronger each day. Your family is a true testiment of God's love and I know he will continue to bless you each day.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Your story is amazing and I am so happy to see that your beautiful daughter and wife are home with you. What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI put the little pink sticker on my drivers license a while back, but never really thought about what that truly meant. It wasn't until I read your blog that I really thought about it and decided to register with the California organ donation website.
May god continue to bless and heal your family.
~Sarah- Mom of a former 26 weeker, trach baby! and a healthy 3 year old.
i became a donor after reading your blog. in feb 08, when i renewed my driver's license in PA, i had it added. i've always thought about it and had mixed feelings, not b/c of what would happen to "me" but rather the feelings my loved ones might feel. but reading your blog and seeing the reality of what those like tricia were going through, how could i not? my family will have happy thoughts knowing my passing would be making such a huge difference. plus i'm a momma too. if it were me in tricia's shoes, i'd sure darn hope to be swaying a few people in the direction of giving and saving life... we all deserve that chance...
ReplyDeleteMy family began reading your blog in February after a friend of Trish's mom told us about it. Since that time my oldest daughter turned 15 and was able to get her drivers permit. When we were at the Dep't of Driver's Lisence filling out the paperwork and got to the question about organ donation she asked me if it was okay to check yes - and I knew why. It is because we were following your story. This was just a week or so before Trish got her new lungs. Before this story I thought I would possibly donate (now my family knows that donating is a definate yes for me), but I did not even want to think about the possibility of my children donating, becuase I did not want to think about anything happening to them.
ReplyDeleteI was away on a cruise when Trish actually got her new lungs. I went to church the Sunday following Trish's transplant and was checking the blog in my husbands office and when I saw that Trish had recevied the lungs - I was so emotional, you'd have thought I knew her personally. I think that this story has done that for many readers. You have put a "face" on organ donation and because of organ donation Gwyneth has the opportunity to get to know her mommy.
You haven't changed my mind on organ donation. I have been a donor since I was able to be one, my thoughts were always "Well I'm not going to need them so whatever". Your story had kind of put an end to my ambivalence about donation. Putting a "face" to someone who could possibly benefit from organ donation really made it a passion of mine. I'm glad I've always been one but now I think I communicate it more to others than I did before I heard your story.
ReplyDeleteI changed my mind because of your story, completely. Prior to reading about Tricia I just did not feel comfortable that I would not be buried "whole". I had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that is an organ donor, as I wanted him to be buried "whole" as well. But after reading about Tricia, and watching baby Gwyneth grow I thought about what my life as a mother would be like had I been in Tricia's place. I have three healthy children, I am healthy. My 3rd child (my first girl) was born exactly two weeks after Gwyneth. I cannot imagine having to pray every day that I would get a chance to be a mother to my new baby the way that Tricia longed to. Why people are "wasting" perfectly healthy organs and taking them to the grave with them is now beyond my comprehension. It's almost as if I cannot remember all the reasons why I had not chosen to become an organ donor in the past. Your story has changed who I am as a person, how I feel about others and the way I feel I can helps others in their time of need. It will be the last great thing that I do before I come to my final resting place. And I know I will be at peace for more than one reason when that time comes.
ReplyDeleteYour story definitely changed my mind. I was a believer of the myth that a doctor may not try as hard to save me if I was an organ donor. Now I have read about it and found out that is not the case. I also think it is important because if God takes me and can use my organs to help someone else be a mom, dad, daughter, son, etc. for longer what an awesome thing.
ReplyDeleteI became an organ donor in NC and checked the part about leaving my body to science because of your story.
ReplyDeletei have to go along with a few others and say i've always been a firm believer in organ donation. your story and the story of other people's lives being saved just helps confirm the fact for me. i've checked the box since i was 16 and made sure after getting married my husband also knows my wishes. a few years ago his young cousin was killed in an accident and his organs were donated. as a mommy now i would love knowing that my precious child helped someone else's child stay alive just a bit longer. my husbands brother was also killed at a very young age and most of his organs were donated as well. i look at organ donation as a blessing to other families through a tragedy. god works all things out for good, and i think this could be a good that comes out of it. i love your story. it is inspiring to see such a family fully dedicated to the awesome god we serve. :)
ReplyDeleteNate,
ReplyDeleteI never even gave organ donation a thought (shame on me) until this whole event in Tricia's life. Because of Tricia I signed up.
Misha says she would have sent my parts off anyways even if I had not signed up. ;0
Funny how God is ALWAYS on time and we has humans sometimes think otherwise. I have never signed up to be an organ donor and I am 35 yrs old, but you story changed my perspective about it. I have had mixed emotions about letting doctors open up my body, and cut into me to remove my organs, even though I would be technically deceased. However the more I read about Tricia and how she would need the double lung transplant to survive I quickly was moved in my heart. My license was up for reneweal just a few weeks ago and I knew in my feelings were changed about organ donation so withouth hesitation I signed up for organ donation. Thank you for making a difference in my life and allowing God to steer your path.
ReplyDeletenathan
ReplyDeletejust wanted to tell you, my sister recieved a pancreas transplant last night!! She is in indianapolis and so far so good. She started surgery at 3am and she just got back to her room at 8am.
I hope this story helps you out. A lot of my family members are now organ donors because of my sisters needs as well as your story I have shared with them!!!!
Thanks again for blessing us with your story!!!!
congrats on having your family all in one place!!! GOD IS GREAT!
I've always been an organ donar, and I've always known of the fatal disease of CF. Despite this, reading about Tricia made me realize that this isn't some some fleeting knowledge; it's real life for others. Reading about your journey has also impacted on me the importance of faith, and the wonders of our Savior. I've been Christian a long time, but it's truly a blessing to see Him work so intently and passionately in your lifes.
ReplyDeleteI was one of those people who THOUGHT that I should be an organ donor, but was scared of the idea. It took my husband some convincing to get me to sign the back of my dr. license, but even then, I would only do specific organs. The only reason I could come up with, I now know is a myth. I've followed Tricia's story from the beginning... SEVERAL months ago. It really started to change my heart AND my mind on organ donation. It's hard when you don't personally go through something to realize the significance of something like organ donation. In the past year, I personally met someone at my church who is currently waiting a double lung transplant for CF. Coincidence? I think not. I have since signed up to be a full-fledged organ donor, sent an email to EVERYONE I know showing them how to sign up to be an organ donor (thru our SS office online) and how important this decision really is. So yes.. I think you could say that your website has definitely changed my opinion on organ donation!
ReplyDeleteI have always been an organ donor since driving age, however I never knew how to be a marrow donor. I worked as a Pediatric Cancer Nurse for a while and treated many children who were waiting or had their transplants. I was excited to see on your site that getting on the marrow donor list was so easy and I would love to help someone. Most people think of the pain and say no quickly. I think of my three girls and how I would long for someone to match them if needed. That makes me want to help!!
ReplyDeleteDear Nate, Tricia and Gwenyth, I have been following your blog since the day Gwenyth was born. Your faith, courage and trust in the Lord has been an inspiration to me and all the people I have shared this blog with. I have been an organ donor for many years as I always felt that it is my spirit that assends to heaven and my body is finished it's job. Why not offer whatever is left of my earthly body to give someone else life. When I was a young woman, a young man, just 18 years old, was killed in a fall on a hiking trip. His family donated his heart and saved a life. Their strength in a time of this great tragedy was the reason I signed up for donation. I truly think that by donating his heart they found some comfort from this horrible loss. Best to all of you and my prayers are with you every day.
ReplyDeleteI wrote this post about it:
ReplyDeletehttp://wordssetfree.blogspot.com/2008/04/read-this-and-then-this.html
I've been a long time organ donor, as is most of my family. My cousin was a CFer who received a double lung tx.
ReplyDeleteHowever, after reading and "getting involved" with your story I decided to become a breastmilk donor. I didn't know anything about it, but got to researching after seeing that Gwyneth was being fed donor milk. I had no idea of the health benefits for premies! I'll happily pump a little each day for the next 5 months, the amount of time I'm eligible (you can donate until your baby is 12 m.), and with each subsequent baby in order to give some tiny being a better shot at life.
Just thought you might be interested in a possibly unexpected way your story has influenced someone. :-)
I have been an organ donor for quite a long time now. However, I have always said that no one could touch my eyes. I have said this selfishly because they are my favorite feature. After reading your blog for the past couple of months, I have changed my mind. I imagine if Tricia had needed retinas instead of lungs, would I want to deprive her of the possibility to see her gorgeous, amazing daughter or her caring, loving husband?? Definitely not. So because of your story, when the time comes for me to pass, I will hopefully be able to give the gift of sight, among other things to a person in need, and they will have you to thank for the rest of their lives, not me. So I thank you for opening my eyes to ALL the benefits of organ donation and helping me to become less selfish.
ReplyDeleteReading Tricia and Gwyneth’s story has truly changed how I feel about organ donation. When I turned 16, I registered myself as an organ donor on my driver’s license – but I maintained the belief that it would never happen to me and it would never make any real difference.
ReplyDeleteWhen I stumbled upon this blog in February, I had reached a particularly low point. My mom had died in November from colon cancer, and I didn’t have a lot of faith in God or His good works. As I started reading the blog, I prayed and hoped against hope that everything would turn out for the best – despite what experience had taught me about getting my hopes up. And despite all my fears for the worst, Tricia got her new lungs and a chance to raise Gwyneth, who was getting better one day at a time. And then my opinion about organ donation changed.
I realized that it was the choice of one person who gave Tricia a shot at a better life. So I started sharing my story with my friends at college, and then with my family at home. When I share Tricia’s story with friends, I know that I’m only one person – but that one person can be the difference between life and death. After all, it was one person’s decisions that gave Tricia a shot at a “new” life. I hope that by sharing Tricia’s story, one friend at a time, that eventually someone else will get hope for a new life – either through myself or one of my friends.
I became an organ donor - because of Tricia's story. I never REALLY thought about it before - beyond seeing the space to fill out information on the back of my license. I'm now registered and have the little heart sticker - I have spoken about my wishes with my family - and I can honestly say it's all because of your family's story.
ReplyDeleteI've known I wanted to donate my organs for as long as I can remember, so I'm probably not an interview candidate. I did want to let you know though that I have the National Marrow Donor Program sample packet sitting on my desk to get sent off for tissue typing. The info you posted a while back about it being free and registering online prompted me to get on that list as well. I'd put it off for years because it seemed like a hassle to organize. If it weren't for your information, I'd never know how easy it is to complete! Thanks Nate!
ReplyDeleteMy dad needed a heart transplant, but refused. He was a minister, he felt it would be too much of a burden on his church and he declined. At that time (about 8 years ago) I was really thinking about becoming an organ donor. Subsequently, he became gravely ill and all our energies were focused on him until his death.
ReplyDeleteFollowing that, I put it all out of my mind. Tried to get on with my life.
Until I came to Nate's blog. I started reading about November/December of 07.
I've prayed for their family consistently in my private devotions and though we've never met IRL, I count them as friends who have opened their hearts to me and shared the most intimate details of their struggle and their love. They are my brother and sister in christ.
Slowly I've felt my heart moving toward signing up to be an organ donor. I've actually already discussed it with my children, but haven't actually filled anything out yet.
If someone wants to hear my words or follow me through that process, here I am.
OK, for the lack of better terms, organ donation to me always seemed so vile & intrusive. You know it's bad enough to have just lost a loved one, but then to give the ok for their lifeless bodies to be butchered seemed so horrific. The mere thoughts of organ donation just made me cringe! I believed it to be adding additional trauma to an already traumatic situation. My husband has always been an organ donor, and very non-chalantly, but me...no way...I'm too chicken to make that decision! I mean the movie "John Q", made me have nightmares for days after watching the pre & post death scene...but having "Hollywood" removed from the scenario & replaced with people you knew...who led you in musical worship in church & blessed you with their voices every Sunday...and who dropped candy into your kids' "trunk or treat" bags...who shook your hand & said glad you came to church today...and truly meant it...and most importantly who God chose to live out not one, but 2 miracles...giving HIM all the glory...it really made me stop & think! God forbid something awful happens to me or someone I love, but the Bible clearly states that to be absent from the (earthly) body, is to be present with the Lord! So our earthly bodies, will be obsolete. So I asked myself, why would I be so selfish as to withold a perfectly good organ from another in need, just because of my pre-mortem fears...like my hubby always says, "I'm gonna be gone, I won't need 'em anymore!" So when my license comes up for renewal in July, I will be checking Organ Donor, because you never know...God's perfect purpose for one person's life, may be for them to give their life so others may live...afterall, isn't that what HE did for us?! Jesus Christ was the most perfect picture of organ donation, because He freely & willingly gave His life for our salvation. It's not up to us to judge how the organs will be used...just as God allows us the free will to make our own decisions on how we'll take care of our organs, but He made the gift available, which is all that an organ donor can do. I thank God that Tricia's donor's family made her gift available...Just imagine, if everyone was a donor, then small pieces of those we love can continue to be a blessing to others...until God calls us all home! Thanks Nathan for sharing not only your blog, but also your heart, with anyone who came across this story. Thanks Tricia for being faithful, God heard your prayers & has answered them...and will continue to do so because of your faithfulness to Him. Thanks to you both for being obedient to the Lord, even during the weary hours, and for sharing some very private moments with strangers, for God's glory and to raise awareness for others, CF & organ donation...seeking nothing in return. God will truly bless you and we'll continue to lift you up in our prayers as well...because we know you'll still need them...especially in about 15 years & 8 months! We're looking forward to getting back to OBX to church & seeing some of God's miraclaculous handiwork!
ReplyDeleteLove & prayers,
Jo & the fellas
I always wanted to be an organ donor but when I started reading your blog I actually took the time to do so.
ReplyDeleteWhen my baby passed I had hoped that she could be a donor but she was too sick, and it didn't work out the way we had hoped.
Your story has made a huge impact in my life in other ways too, your faith and strength is inspiring and has helped me to keep going through a very difficult time. Thank you for sharing your story.
Candi
www.babyhoustonstory.blogspot.com
I had always been pro organ donation in theory, but I had never DONE anything about it. You sharing your journey spurred me into action. I signed up for my state's database (very cool and easy) and made sure to communicate my wishes to my husband that everything that can be used should be. We also talked about our daughter and while the thought of her passing brought us to some extreme emotions, I know that I would have a sense of peace in her gift of life helping other children and families. I've also made CFF one of my charities of choice. I know I would not have done this if I hadn't found your blog and began to care about all of you.
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled that there is national interest in your wonderful family and your experiences.
I have and always will be an organ donor. However, what your story has done for me, is to make me an organ donor advocate. Friends, family, anyone who will listen, I tell them your story and ask them to please become an organ donor if they are not already. It's the "you tell a friend, and they tell a friend, and so on and so on" thing, and eventually it's widespread and making a difference in our world. Nate, you and Tricia were the catalysts, and I am proud to be a warrior in your battle to get everyone to be organ donors.
ReplyDeleteI give full credit to you and Tricia for sharing your personal story and awarness of organ donation. I had considered organ donation for many years. It is the "nice" thing to do right? Well, as a health educator myself, I was never convinced. I was often too worried about the myths you've since cleared but never had it truly hit close to home, until Tricia, to put some time into research. I am happy and relieved to say that on March 28, 2008, my 30th birthday, I became an official organ donor. I've also informed my family of my decision.
ReplyDeleteThank you for opening my eyes to this process!
Nathan & Tricia,
ReplyDeleteI cannot say that learning of your journey has changed my view on organ donation. As a nurse, I have long understood and valued the gift of life. However, what I can say changed is the level of compassion I thought I was capable of maintaining as an RN. Your journey has reinforced every principle one should hold dear as a health care provider. Professionalism and integrity are not only the heart of the mission; they are a vital part of gaining trust from patients and their beloved families. I was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) & RN student when I first joined you. As an RN student, I read my textbooks for skill....and your blog for inspiration. I remember when you (Nate) mentioned the feeding that spilled on Tricia while she slept.
Things like this happen simply because we as nurses are in too big of a hurry. We sometimes fail to remember that COMPASSION is just as important as integrity and professionalism. And taking the extra 10 seconds to place a wash cloth under a feeding tube, displays tenderness---as opposed to carelessness.
I had a fear of caring for people on ventilators. The night before my fist day on a "Vent Unit", I was catching up on your blog. And it dawned on me. In my preoccupation, I hadn't even considered my patient's perspective.
Tricias view. The familys perspective. And finally, what should have been the nurses perspective. Sometimes, IT IS NOT ABOUT ME. I thought, if Nate, Tricia, & Gwyneth Rose can endure their tubes and machines daily with such grace, I can certainly give tender care to the dear on the other end of mine. By reading your view, I was (& continue to be) more knowledgeable about the thoughts/concerns my patients may have. Your family is a living testament of a Miraculous Love that shines throught the seams of your story. Thank you for sharing it with the world. My patients will receive compassionate care from an experienced (& INSPIRED) Registered Nurse. My practice has changed for the better. I applaud you. And I am only a minute piece of a beautiful puzzle that surrounds your family. I am quite sure you will not know (this side of heaven) the blessings bestowed by having shared your story.
Nurse Candice & Co. in Nebraska
P.s I really want to squeeze that babys chubby cheeks!! WHAT A PEANUT!!!
Most definitely it has changed my out look. I was so scared before because I always heard if you were in an accident the doctors would not work on you as much. Obviously this is a HUGE myth and it is all to you Nate and your blog for opening up my eyes to see the real truth. I cannot thank you enough for this!!!
ReplyDeletejust stopping by to say hello
ReplyDeleteI've kept trying to comment but UGH it's not working today.
ReplyDeleteI've always had mixed feelings on organ donation, and while in the back of my mind felt it important it wasn't something I was actively giving thought to. If I would have died before reading this blog, I would HAVE NOT been a donor. Just before finding your blog my son was diagnosed with autism, and right now we do everything we can to help better his future. While there isn't an organ I can give him to make this go away, I would in a heart beat if there was. I realized because of Tricia's story, if one of my children became ill I would absolutely want every fighting chance for them. I would never turn down an organ that would save my child, so why would I take the gift of life without returning it? I prayed for several weeks about this, and one day called my mom and husband to let them know I wanted to be a donor. My husband now too feels the same way. I hope to never be in the position of needing a donor for any of my family members, we all hope that I think. But I know at some point my organs have a chance to give someone else another day, and you better believe I want to know that I have made that difference for a family.
ReplyDeleteI check daily but this is my first comment! It is funny you posted this blog. Before I started reading my husband and I were not donors. Last night we went to renew his drivers license and they asked if he wanted to be a donor and of course he said no, and I blurted out yes. I reminded him of you and Tricia's story. So yes because of you we are now donors.
ReplyDeleteI've been checking out your story for awhile now and following both of your girls progress. It wasn't until I read what was going on with Tricia that I really thought about organ donation. SInce that time my husband and I have talked about our wishes and have both become donors.
ReplyDeleteI've been checking out your story for awhile now and following both of your girls progress. It wasn't until I read what was going on with Tricia that I really thought about organ donation. SInce that time my husband and I have talked about our wishes and have both become donors.
ReplyDeleteI've been checking out your story for awhile now and following both of your girls progress. It wasn't until I read what was going on with Tricia that I really thought about organ donation. SInce that time my husband and I have talked about our wishes and have both become donors.
ReplyDeleteI have never known someone who was the recipient of an organ donation. And I don't actually know you all. Your story has made organ donation a real thing in my mind.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got my driver's license, I checked the organ donor box, pretty much without thinking. I've always been really in to doing the right thing, and seeing as how I would be dead at the time, and not using my organs, donating them seemed to make sense.
And for fourteen years...okay, fifteen as of last week...I had never given organ donation a second thought.
But the grave situation your family faced, and the grace and dignity that shone through you and your family during that time, and the difference those lungs made to your wife, and you, and your daughter...all those things were real. And I began to think of your situation in terms of, "if this were my family...".
It's not that your story made me decide to be an organ donor. It's that your story made my choice to be an organ donor something real, something I'm proud of, something I look forward to. (Okay, that sounded a little dark there, but if when I die, my organs are a blessing to another person, then *that* is what I'm looking forward to.)
So thank you for sharing.
I am a nurse who had been an organ donor in the past but had never reactivated the designation on my driver's license. Your story moved me to register on the website, notify my family and mark my license. I would be happy to be interviewed.
ReplyDeletePrayers from Michigan
I always wanted to do something special with my life after i pass away but I never knew what to do. I had considered organ donation but never given any serious thought to it. I knew my cousins had CF but I never thought anything of that either. All I knew was that they were not going to live as long as me and they had to take a lot of medicine, never did I think this was a deadly thing. How wrong I was.
ReplyDeleteWhen I found about CF in detail and how much one person's choice could affect tons of people and save lives I was all in. Although I don't have my drivers license yet, I have already told my family about my choice and although not all of them agree with me, they said they would respect my choice.
You guys are the reason that I now have made the choice to donate anything they are willing to take once I pass. Actually a few of my friends are now organ donors too because of your story and what all I have shared with them.
Thank you!
Kathryn Cary, NC
Until I read your story, and followed it for a few months, I had not committed to being an organ donor. Eveytime I renewed my license I would think about it but not sign. I just didn't want to give parts of my body away. I am a Christian and truly believe that when my earthly body is dead, my soul will go to Heaven. The body left here to be buried is just a shell, but still, I could not make myself sign. After following Tricia's story, I guess I began to feel as though now I KNEW someone who could actually benefit from organ donation. Although I have had a few minor ailments, I have always wondered why God has blessed me with such health while so many have major health issues. Maybe this is why, so I can pass on these healthy organs/tissues when I am gone from this earth. Looking back, my decision not to donate had been a very selfish one. So I have registered online in my state to donate upon death, and my husband is aware of my decision. I hope one day when I am gone that someone else will get the chance to live. I want to share God's blessing on me with others!
ReplyDeleteI was never willing to even consider it before reading your story. I had heard horror stories about college students working with different "parts" of people and not doing it very respectfully. But now I know those are urban myths and that people are VERY respectful of the dead, so much so that they appreciate the gift for the rest of their lives. I would love to donate whatever I can to help others lives better and longer lives if my time on earth is done. God bless you for your organ donation advocacy that opened my heart to such a wonderful cause.
ReplyDeleteI've been checked as an organ donor for several years now. I was at the DMV, getting a new drivers license, and the form had a section for "Organ Donor?" I immediately, without question, put a check in the "yes" box. It's a no brainer for me. I lost a dear friend in HS to a tragic car accident, she was only 18, and her parents never publicly announced anything, but I believe they donated some of her organs. I thought it was so wonderful. I just figure I'm in good health, I'm still sorta young (29!) always a nonsmoker, occasional drink here and there, why shouldn't someone benefit if I die unexpectedly? My spirit and soul won't change, only my body. And nobody will be looking at that anymore anyway! That's my take on it. Oh, and of course dear Nate, your story has touched my life very much, and has made it all the more reason to be an organ donor. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteNate,
ReplyDeleteYour story certainly prompted me to become an organ donor, officially anyway. I had the little heart on my license, but your blog gave me the information to go out and make certain my wishes are carried out.
We have a set of quadruplets who were born 2 months premature and your story caught our attention and brought us to our knees to pray for your family. We had so many people pray for our boys at birth, that it convicted us to do the same for you. That is where the blog world is so valuable.
Thanks for sharing your story once again, I hope they do cover your story nationally somehow, you are great at giving glory to Christ in the process without shoving it down anyone's throat.
God Bless,
The Murray Quadruplets
www.murraycrew.blogspot.com