Register as a Donor
A Dying Wish
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
My name is Anabel Hollie. I am an in-house coordinator for LifeGift and have been saving lives going on seven years. My job entails approaching families and asking them about organ donation – in their darkest of hours.
This past winter, I was honored to be part of a unique end of life experience. A patient whom had been suffering from the very cruel disease – ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease – for the last four years was ready to be set free.
Her lasting legacy was to save the lives of others through organ donation. Though the disease was relentless and continued to take from her, she wanted to give back. She wanted to give to the very friend who introduced her to her husband. This friend was in need of a liver transplant.
I deal with death day in and day out. This type of transition was a bit more challenging as the patient was in complete cognitive state and had to be talked through her end-of-life process. I found comfort in knowing this is what she wanted and how she wanted to leave this world. Through the amazing strength that her spouse demonstrated, he too gave me strength.
I am honored to have shared that special moment with my colleagues, a brave woman and her strong and courageous husband. On that winter day, an Angel was sent back to heaven and her best friend was given the "GO" to live life again.
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