I have two baby sisters. They’re both taller than me. Plus we are not babies . . . far from it. We are in our “golden years” now. No matter, they’re always my baby sisters. I’m blessed they’re here. Both of my sisters are transplant recipients. Life! The precious of all gifts.
My youngest sister, Janice, the baby of the family has had a really, really, really tough time in the past year. Lots of suffering, pain, mountains to climb. Hospitals, rehab, doctors, outrageous ambulance bills, and insurance nightmares. (“‘If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor” did not apply to her.) She made it through and is home now.
It’s what Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) does . . . and seems to never stop doing.
My baby sister Janice never complains and I mean never. Proof? She has said through gritted teeth, writhing in discomfort, a hospital gown tied around her pallid and gray skin, her long thin fingers grasping the bucket close . . . “better me than you.” Who does that? Who has the fortitude, love for another, and guts to say such things? Well . . .my other sister, JoAnn, the middle child, does that, too. Two women who have battled this disease with tremendous spunk, courage and are shining examples of grit and determination.
The thing about Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is that although both have received kidney transplants, they still have the disease. The transplant does not cure the disease. Which is why I write stuff like this . . . to push for a cure, to ask for prayers and love, and to educate. I’m not ungrateful! I do give thanks every day for the gifts of those transplants that give my ‘baby’ sisters life.
But, now Janice’s name has been added to ‘the list’ – the waiting list – for a liver transplant – polycystic liver disease. It just makes me cry what this disease does to families. Many of you know that our three cousins – great guys- are also battling Polycystic Kidney Disease. Over 100,000 names on the list!
Valentine’s Day is all about love. An organ donor is all about love. Love for your fellow man.
