Ellie!!! My favorite movie star! I didn’t know you were on this site. Sorry, but this is going to be fan mail. I’m a week post-op as a non-directed donor and was so glad to have found your documentary a couple of months ago. Wish I’d found it a year ago when I started. Actually seeing it unfold validated my expectations and helped others in my life to understand (or maybe not). For some reason, the Q&A was my favorite part. I recommend everyone connected to donation watch it, even the conservatives (joking). Like many others, I’m uncomfortable with the hero label and don’t even like the term altruistic, I use “non-directed” with the few people who know (my co-workers think I’m on vacation). Thought I was going to die of embarrassment when the transplant staff presented me with a book entitled “Hero”, although I certainly appreciated the thought. Thank you for putting aside your discomfort and sharing your experience with so many of us. You’re absolutely right that we get so much when we give. Even without knowing the outcome I’ve gotten so much out of donation that it feels like I’ve done something selfish. I’m torn about possibly meeting the recipient in the future because it feels like it would change the balance of my action. Hope that makes sense, not sure I understand it myself.
I also want to acknowledge your patience in enduring the wait for 4 years. Patience is something we definitely do not have in common. My original plan was start to finish in 3 months and the transplant staff was not always happy to hear from me. It’s impossible for me to imagine being seriously ill and enduring year after year.
Coincidentally, Jan Krawitz lives close to my family in No Cal and I occasionally drive through SLO on the way to visit. I just ordered your book and expect an autograph the next time I come through town!
Thanks again for putting aside your discomfort and allowing us in to a very personal experience. You’re my hero (sorry)!
Also, I second your thanks to the site for giving donors a forum. I don't know anyone with Kidney disease, much less anyone who has donated, so it's nice to have a place to share.