Hi Dodger,
My Husband and I were approached to join the study. Actually, at the time if his transplant, he was approached about a couple of other studies that were donor only, and then we were also both approached about the recipient/donor study. We decided to enroll in the donor/recipient study. When we were there last November, they told us this study was now closed to new participants and they were not accepting anymore donors/recipients in to this particular study. However, if you are interested, I would suggest contacting them to see if there are any others you could join. I am not sure who your coordinator is, but mine was Chris and she was beyond fabulous. She was always willing to help me and answer my (many) questions.
I did not go to the Donor Appreciation last fall, as we had something else going on that same weekend. I really wish we could have worked that into our schedule, as I would have really like to have attended. Did you go? If so, how was it? I recevied my certificate and medal in the mail about 2 weeks after the event. I had no idea they would present us with those. I am not sure if that is standard for all transplant centers, but really found it to be a very nice gesture on their part. I like that they acknowledged their donors and are bringing attention to living donation, so people know this is an option.
I did not realize we donated at the same place. It is really nice to "meet" someone else who donated there as well. Let me know if you are able to get enrolled in a study. My Husband and I liked it both because it will hopefully help others, and it is an extra way to keep tabs on our own health as well.
Linda
P.S. Do you know if your name is up on the Donor Wall yet? It took quite a while for mine to be put there - I want to say maybe a year or so? I am not sure if that is standard practice at all centers either, but I thought that was kind of cool as well.