"From the Family of one Sister-In-Law, to the other...With Love!"

by B. Roze

My previous article in the health and wellness section of this newsletter dealt with the importance of organ donation by Black Americans. We don't fully understand its importance until it hits home (see archives "Organ Donation Saves and Raises Quality of Life"). I have seen the benefits of these life saving gifts first hand and would like to share two personal stories with you.

The first is about my brother-in-law and his mother-in-law who showed great compassion and care while experiencing great personal tragedy. It's an incredible story of hope and encouragement. We lost a beloved sister-in-law a little over a year and half ago as a result of injuries sustained in a car wreck. Yet out of the ash heap of pain and the loss of one sister-in-law (Shauna), came hope for our other sister-in-law (Myra). I asked Shauna's mother if she would share what transpired that fateful Mother's Day in May 2003. She wrote eloquently about it in the program that was done for Shauna's home going service.

Following that, I have included another story that was even closer to home. My lovely wife gave our son, Shaun, a kidney due to his underdeveloped kidneys failing. His doctor stated that this was likely the result of his cerebral palsy and extreme premature birth. He is now experiencing significant health gains and is no longer deathly ill.

Please indulge me for a few moments and read these moving stories. Find out more about organ donation by viewing the links below.

Two Love Stories

References:

http://www.nationalkidneyfoundation.org

http://www.organdonor.gov/

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2002/FEBRUARY/020212.htm

http://www.unisci.com/stories/20021/0214022.htm

http://www.msora.org/Minority Relations.htm