This is a message from an AWESOME writer minister sisterhood skin-cancer-surviving loving friend of mine up in Palmdale:

It was accidental; I was asked to do a specific story on Organ Donating, and the Black Market...

I went online, researching, learning, educating myself, so I might be able to educate the public, when I came across Sylvia. Sylvia's husband is currently dying, and she was on the Internet, BEGGING FOR A KIDNEY.

I wrote her; and Sunday, I'll be conducting a full interview for my article. Meanwhile, just YESTERDAY MORNING, I asked for LIFE from ANYONE who might be willing to give it.

It starts with O+ blood....I had 3 people PM me, offering to help. I had 2 other people say they'd like to help, but that I have not heard from yet. I did called Sylvia yesterday afternoon.

"Sylvia, we've got 3 O+ people here who want to help....WHERE DO THEY GO? WHAT DO I DO NOW?" I asked...

She started to cry. Hope settled in, and her emotions released; SHE KNOWS NOW THAT THERE IS A CHANCE...she wrote me. Please read her note:


Message:
Elle, just so excited you read my add today after talking to you i could not wait to tell my husband someone wants to help us he started to cry The love of my life now has new hope. his name is BLAS, I am giving you information on where to contact UCLA transplant program 1-310-794-3209 Christine, or kaiser kidney team 1-818-375-4006 Diane person you will be helping is Blas Gomez o+ blood type wife Sylvia Gomez. Thank you for spreading our help needs. Blas worked on cars for 26 yrs every time we would be going some where and see someone straded or broke down he wood pull over and heip he could fix anything he always helped everyone and never asked for anything just glad to help. HAVE A NICE DAY. See ya sunday BLAS will come out if you would like ..



Please please please...if you have O+ blood, continue reading.



Who can be a donor?

Donors need to be between the ages of 18 and early 70s and can include parents, children, siblings, other relatives, and friends. An ideal donor should have a genuine interest in donating and a compatible blood type with the recipient.

Donors should be in good general health. Typically, someone who has high blood pressure (both treated and untreated), cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, sickle cell disease, HIV or hepatitis will not qualify to be a donor. However, these diseases are not all absolute contraindications to donation. Every donor will be considered on an individual basis.

Do some donors have trouble making the decision to donate?

The decision to donate can vary from person to person. Some people make the decision instantly with few worries or concerns. Other people go through some soul-searching and will talk with close friends or family before deciding whether or not to donate. It is normal for some people to be afraid of donating a kidney as well as to experience guilt about not wanting to be a donor.

Individuals should not, under any circumstances, feel pressured to donate. The only "right" decision is the one that makes the donor feel comfortable. Potential donors are encouraged to speak with the living donor team if they have any questions or concerns about their decision.

What is the first step to becoming a living donor?

Once your blood type, antigen match, and cross match are known, the living donor nurse coordinator will discuss the results and the donation process with you and answer any questions so that you can make an informed decision about proceeding with donation. This conversation is strictly confidential and is not shared with the recipient.

What are the health risks associated with being a donor?

Your surgeon and nurse coordinator will discuss all health risks with you. The risks of donation are similar to those involved with any major surgery, such as bleeding and infection. Death resulting from kidney donation is extremely rare. Current research indicates that kidney donation does not change life expectancy or increase a person's risks of developing kidney disease or other health problems.

How is the laparoscopic surgery performed?

During the surgery, a few very small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert laparoscopic instruments. The laparoscope contains a miniature camera that helps guide the surgical team. Once the kidney dissection is complete, a 3-4 inch incision is made to allow for the removal of the kidney. These incisions are closed using stitches that absorb on their own so they do not need to be removed.

Who pays for the medical costs?

Testing required for the living donor evaluation as well as the hospitalization costs and physician services provided during the donation process are covered either by recipient's insurance. Follow up care is also, obviously, covered.

WATCH A VIDEO HERE (It's long, but if you're serious, it's quite educational, but based in Maryland. The information and EDUCATION on Living Donor Transplants is EXCELLENT in this video): http://www.umm.edu/videos/misc/living_kidney_donor_transplant.htm

I do hope you'll consider what you've just read....I do hope that if you are NOT O+, that you'll forward this on to all you know.

This is LIFE. We only get ONE CHANCE.

Thanks for reading...and for passing this on.

In Unity,

Elle

If you've made it this far, I SO APPRECIATE IT.