Register as a Donor
On April 22, not only was it Good Friday it was "Great Friday" for the parents of 16-month-old Elizabeth Jetton, who was waiting desperately for a double-lung transplant. The Jettons are originally from Tennessee, but are living here to be closer to Elizabeth's hospital. I trust the Jettons will never forget the day and where they were or what they were doing when they got the call that they were waiting on. If I know Elizabeth's parents I know mom or dad was by her side in the hospital room like they've been since day one, and the other was getting some much needed rest.
Elizabeth received her transplant that night and has proven to be an even stronger warrior than one could imagine. She is making improvements daily. Mom, Sheila reports that she is moving around a little and has started to open her eyes. I've been told the nurses at the hospital have Elizabeth's itinerary booked solid for play dates, upon her recovery.
There are some pretty neat details to add to Elizabeth's baby book, transplant came during Good Friday, Easter weekend and National Donate Life Month.
To get the call that mom and dad had been waiting for would be crucial to Elizabeth's journey. The call was an ever life-changing one that changed the lives of two families forever. It's easy to get excited for the recipient, but it's always important to remember the family that said "YES" so that Elizabeth and perhaps others could live.
This story reminds us all that every breathe we take is priceless! Next time you feel life is hard or is stressful take a breath of fresh air and a moment to consider how stressful it must be to be living in a hospital room, sleeping on a chair hundreds of miles away from home and what it's like for your little angel's life to depend on someone else to consent to donation.
One thing is certain, life is a beautiful gift and every day is a Great One! - Elvia Valdez PR Coordinator
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
