I've been debating writing this blog, as it is not a typical blog. Neither is it really about traveling, although I guess in some ways its a unique experience about common struggles regardless of national borders.
First, before I jump into this story, I must first explain to those of you who don't know me why this story has affected me so greatly. 2 and a half months ago I donated my kidney to a childhood friend. She was only about 21 when she was diagnosed with FSGS, a rare kidney disease. She was on dialysis for 4 years before she recieved my kidney at the age of 26. Fortunately, she's now doing wonderfully and I of course have healed up well enough to travel internationally. Her story thus far has a very very happy ending.
Prior to donating my kidney to her, I had hardly heard much of kidney disease or the discussion of organ donation. Now, organ donation is a topic of national discussion in the US. Now in Lebanon I am touched by the impact of kidney disease and the need for organ donors.
Last week, we visited Derya, Joanna's village in the northern mountains one evening. Joanna, Joelle and I went to a small "restaurant" to just hang out. The woman who owned the place is a friend of the family and we (meaning Joelle and Joanna and sometimes the conversations were translated for me) visited with her and one of her sons. She said that day that her 16 year old wasn't feeling very well. The next day, he went to the hospital and we recieved news that he was in kidney failure and they started him on dialysis.
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{Register to be an organ,eye and tissue donor. To learn how, www.donatelife.net or www.organdonor.gov}
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