I will be starting my trek in 14 days! I’m getting excited. I wanted to share the reasons I am doing this trip. Most importantly, the 4 in Scooting4Donors refers to the four people who made this possible more than any others. My four donors.
My mother was the first to save my life when I was 11-years-old. My father then jumped in to save me when I was an 18-year-old senior in high school. Just five years later, my amazing younger brother saved me after a tough year I was on dialysis. His perfect match lasted 15 amazing years. Unfortunately, a transplant is not a cure, but just a treatment. Thirteen months after my second round of dialysis, I got my fourth chance at a “second” chance! I received my angel’s kidney a little over 3 years ago. If not for these amazing people, I would not be here.
The second reason is for all of my friends past and present who’ve dealt with organ disease. I have lost many friends over the years due to organ failure and most of them were under the age of 25! I believe a lot of them might still be around if there was more education about organ donation. Ninety-five percent of the U.S. population believes in organ donation, yet only 58% are actually registered donors. That is just over 200 million who believe in organ donation. There are over 114,000 patients on the organ donor list.
The reason I am using a mobility scooter is to help change the stigma of people with disabilities and those that need devices to get around. My pride really hit me when I needed to use a scooter. I wish I tried earlier. I’ve missed so much. Just because I’m in my 40s, I shouldn’t feel bad for needing a scooter. I should feel proud that I can still get out and see the world.
I am doing Scooting4Donors in two weeks for the reasons above and many more. I hope to see you while I’m out on the road. If I’m not coming through your town, follow my blog here or follow me on social media!