Surgery Countdown

August 31, 2011

We are all set!  Surgery will take place on September 29^th at 7am!  We will be on the countdown until surgery day….in only 29 days Gary will have a new kidney!!  Gary & I are both very nervous but so excited!  I wanted to share something amazing that only God could do.  I received this comment on my blog the other day:

 Vanessa,
I have been reading your blog since you started writing it. There are few blogs out there that explain the process from beginning to end. I really appreciate you writing each day. The reason I am commenting is because I am also donating a kidney! I started back in June and it has been a long process just to get approved. I have had to redo several tests and additional tests. I found out Friday afternoon that the committee had approved me for surgery and that my surgery date is scheduled for September 29! I could not believe my eyes when I saw your blog this afternoon. I truly believe that God has placed your blog in my path because when I felt so alone or hopeless, I was able to read your blogs and your scriptures and that got me through the waiting! Thank you so much for your inspiration through your words. By the way.... we will be at the same hospital in Dallas at Baylor! Val is also my coordinator! It is truly what I considered a Godly plan! Maybe we can meet! I would love that!
Thanks again,
Dana

Needless to say I was blown away by this!  I feel that God makes no mistakes, it is not by mistake that He crossed mine & Dana’s paths! As Dana said, it’s “a Godly Plan”, and I feel so blessed to be a part of the amazing plan!  Dana & I have been emailing each other & I cannot wait to meet her!  I am so thankful that God has brought me a friend to share this experience with.  Dana is also donating to a friend who has been on dialysis for about 3 years.  Please add Dana & her recipient, Jennifer, to your prayer list! 

My new favorite quote: “Let go and let God”

Good News

August 29, 2011

We can move forward with surgery!!  Surgery will most likely take place on September 29^th, just waiting to hear a confirmation of time.  We should know a definite surgery date and time by Wednesday. My transplant coordinator said the results of my arteriogram looked great.  It is always preferred to take the left kidney, so they will give my left kidney to Gary.  While my left kidney does have 2 arteries, they said this is pretty common & would not be a problem.  It was an unbelievable & overwhelming feeling to be able to share this news with Gary today!  He said he is going to “start the countdown of dialysis days remaining.”  It is my prayer that everything works properly after surgery & Gary never has to go through dialysis again!   

I want to take a moment to say, “Thank You!!”  I am truly touched by everyone’s love & support during this process.  I created this blog to keep my friends & family updated on the process.  However, it has been used in ways I would never have imagined.  In less than a month, this blog has been viewed over 1500 times, in 4 different countries….WOW!  I have received countless emails, text messages & phone calls from people I have not seen in years and even people I have never met.  People are letting me know how touched they are by mine & Gary’s story.  God’s hand is in everything & He works in amazing ways!!  I greatly appreciate all the kind words & prayers!  As Christi said to me the other day, “We have lots of people praying!”  I can sure feel those prayers! 

As you all know I honestly felt called by God to be a donor for Gary.  I am the first to admit that I have ignored hundreds of other “callings” from God.  I would typically make excuses; “not now God”, “I don’t think I can”, “I’m too busy God”.  I really do believe that God calls on each of us daily.  He calls us to be a better spouse, a better parent, or a better friend…......what is God calling you to do?  I am not sure what made me willing to answer this particular call from God, but I feel that through time spent in prayer my heart was open to God’s plan! By following God’s plan, I have already been blessed in more ways than I could ever have imagined!  Please continue to pray for the McNiel family and mine as we prepare for surgery! 

 “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

In God's Hands

August 26, 2011

Well, I survived my arteriogram!  It really was not all that bad.  I arrived at Baylor around 6am and was checked in to day-surgery.    Brad had to stay home to get the boys to school, so I went to the hospital alone…….this made me very nervous!  First, I had blood drawn; my nerves were really getting to me.  I sat down in the lab & immediately felt God’s arms around me.  I looked up on the wall of the lab and noticed a dry erase board that the nurse had written on in bright orange, “Commit everything you do to the LORD.  Trust him and he will help you. Psalm 37:5” I wonder if the nurse knew what comfort that verse would bring me & hopefully others that day.  Next, I went across the hall to have my weight & vital signs taken, I looked on the nurses desk and noticed she had a framed sign that read, “Give it to God in prayer, he makes everything better.”  It was like God was reminding me that I was not alone, he was right by my side!   I was then taken to my room.  I was given an IV and tried to get comfy, in my not so comfy hospital bed.  Around 8am, my nurse got a call from Radiology saying they would not get to me until around 1130.  So, I had a couple of hours to watch TV and take a little nap in my room while I waited.  Finally around 1130, they took me to the Invasive Radiology Dept.  The radiology operating room looked like a normal OR only with a lot of screens for viewing pictures.  One of the radiologists looked at me and said, “You look very healthy, why are you having this procedure done.”  I told him about Gary and I immediately became very emotional.  I was thinking how much my heart goes out to Gary for having to suffer with kidney disease.  I became very concerned that this test would show something that would prevent surgery from happening….I so badly want to be able to help Gary.  Tears rolled down my face and the room full of very sweet men (yes, all of my care takers in the radiology dept were men) took turns bringing me tissues and wiping away my tears.  One of them even gave me a high-five and told me he would be praying for Gary & me.   It was time to begin the procedure, they gave me a “conscious sedative”, I was awake and able to talk during the entire procedure, and I just felt very relaxed.  I never felt anything, and it seemed to be over quickly.  Before I knew it I was back in my room, where I again was full of emotions.  I could not stop crying, thinking about the how amazing God is to bring me through this whole donor process.  He has taught me so much during this incredible journey.  Most of all he has taught me that He is always in control!  My wonderful husband, Brad, arrived shortly after the procedure was done and kept me company while I was on a 4hr bed rest in the hospital.  I was discharged around 4pm and was told to go home and continue bed rest for the remainder of the day.  Brad was great in taking care of the boys, dinner, and waiting on my every call…….Thank You Brad!!  I was able to go to work today, but did not make it all day.  I was very sore and felt light headed, so I came home early and took a long nap.  I am going to take it easy this weekend and wait to hear from the transplant center.  I spoke with my transplant coordinator, Val, today and she said the results of my procedure along with our requested surgery dates were sent over to the Doctor today.  We should have a decision and hopefully a surgery date by Monday.  Please pray that God’s plan will continue to fall into place.  As Christy reminded me today, “It’s all in God’s Hands!”

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

Bump in the Road

August 22, 2011

Well, we have hit a small “bump in the road”.  When I got a call today from Val, my transplant coordinator, I was expecting her to have a surgery date for me.  Instead she said, “We need to do an arteriogram.”  An arteriogram is a special type of x-ray that will help give a better view of my arteries surrounding my kidneys.  Apparently, I have two arteries coming from my kidneys not just one.  I am told this is not uncommon; however, can sometimes make things more difficult in surgery.  The surgeon needs some measurements of these arteries and needs to see how they flow.  Depending on the size of my arteries, how they flow, or where they are placed, this test will determine if surgery can still take place.  So, I am scheduled for an arteriogram on Thursday at 6am at Baylor.  Here is what I am being told about this procedure, first they will give me a sedative to put me to sleep.  Then, they will insert a long catheter, epidural-like, needle into the large artery in my groin area. Next, radioactive dye is inserted through the catheter & x-rays are taken of the arteries.  I am told the worst part of the procedure is the hours following.  Since this is a major artery, they will need to apply a lot of pressure to ensure that it does not bleed out.  I will have a pressure bandage put on & then a sand bag placed on my leg.  I will be unable to bend my leg and have to lie flat for 4-6hrs following this procedure….sounds fun, right?  I have to admit, I am sort of freaking out over this!  I was fine with a surgery that I knew would take place a month from now……I was preparing for that.  But I was not prepared to be put under this week!  While I am extremely nervous, I have faith that everything will work out!  I am thankful that the surgeon is being thorough and wants to make certain of what he is dealing with, prior to surgery.  I have been told from other living donors that this procedure is somewhat common.  My heart sank today, when I had to call Christy to let her know that there would be a hold in scheduling the surgery.  I can only imagine the emotions Christy & Gary must be feeling during this entire process.  

I am just reminding myself that God is in control, and everything will work according to his plan!  Please continue praying for all of us!  Please pray that my nerves & fears will be calmed for this upcoming procedure.   

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14

Cleared for Surgery

August 19th

Cleared for Surgery

Great News……We are cleared for surgery!!!!!!   My TB test came back negative & we are now ready to schedule a surgery date!  I gave my transplant coordinator 2 dates that would work well for me, September 29^th or October 6^th.  (From what I understand, transplant surgery at Baylor is only done on Thursdays)  So, my transplant coordinator has put in a request to the Doc to schedule surgery on September 29^th.  She said it may take a few days to hear back, she will let me know for sure, probably next week. 

I have a flood of emotions today!  I have been praying & preparing for this & was fairly certain It would all work out.  However actually hearing the words, “You are cleared for surgery!  When would you like to schedule?”  Makes it all seem so real….. .I just keep thinking this is really happening!?  I am excited, relieved, scared, & nervous all at the same time!  Most importantly I am so happy that Gary will finally have a new kidney!  Thank you all for your prayers!!

Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  Psalm 106:1

News from the Transplant Committee

August 15, 2011

After a long weekend spent waiting for a phone call, I FINALLY got a call from Val at the Transplant Center around noon today.  She said I need to have my TB test re-done, if it comes back good then I am cleared for surgery!!!!!  My current TB test was done at work about a year ago and will expire at the end of this month.  I am scheduled to have a new TB test done at work tomorrow; it will take 3-4 days for the results.  I am really not concerned about this test…..I am certain that I do not have TB.  So, I can almost say with certainty that I will be able to donate my kidney to Gary!!  Praise God!!!!  Val also informed me that Gary & I are a 3 out of 6 compatible match!  This is actually really good; typically non-related donors are a 1, maybe 2 out of 6.  She seemed surprised to see that Gary & I are a 3 out of 6, she said this is an excellent match!!  God makes no mistakes!! 

I will keep everyone updated on the results of my TB test.  In the meantime, please be in prayer for Gary.  Please pray that his body accepts my kidney and it’s a complete success!

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Psalms 25:4

Waiting for the News

August 12, 2011

I woke up this morning with such a mix of emotions!  Today my test results will be presented to the Transplant Committee & they will decide if I can donate to Gary.  I probably won’t hear from them until Monday; but, still I am SO nervous today!  I am anxious, excited, and a little scared.  I woke up and immediately began praying.  I asked God to give me patience and peace while I wait for the decision.  I also asked that God’s will be done in my life & in Gary’s.  It’s amazing how time spent in prayer can bring such calmness over me.  I could hear God reminding me that this was in his hands.  I have faith that God’s plan for me is perfect!  I can only imagine what Gary and his family must be feeling right now.  I had someone ask me the other day about Gary’s health condition.  I realized, I only know that Gary has polycystic kidney disease & is on dialysis 3 days a week.  Most importantly, I know that Gary needs a kidney and God has given me two healthy ones!  I pray that I can donate and God will heal Gary’s body! 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Update

August 10, 2011

Just wanted to give a quick update…… I spoke with Val, my transplant coordinator today.  She said all of my test results have come back & everything looks great!!  She did ask me something kind of strange……she wanted to know if I had been exposed to TB (tuberculosis)?  She said one of my TB test came back positive.  I had a required TB test done at work about a year ago & it was negative, I had my results faxed to the transplant center.  The TB test done at work was a traditional TB skin test.  The TB test done at the transplant center is a blood test.  Val said my chest x-ray looks good and they were not really all that concerned.  She told me the result of this test would most likely not be an issue or keep me from being a donor.  She also said it was possible it could be a “false positive”.  On a good note, she said the results of my GloFill procedure were 97.1%!  I am told this is very good!!  From what I understand, a healthy range is anything above 80%. 

Val told me that my test results are all set to be presented to the Transplant Committee on Friday.  She said I would most likely not hear anything until Monday, since the committee usually does not end their meeting until 5pm…..so I guess the wait continues!  Keep the prayers coming!

Kidney School

August 8, 2011

I thought I would share a little of the knowledge I have learned in this process.  I have done a TON of research & spoken with several doctors.  I’m sure some of you may have questions about donating a kidney and life with one kidney. 

The kidneys functions to remove waste and excess fluid from the body.  The kidney is the organ most commonly given by a living donor.  There are several advantages of a living donation compared to transplants from deceased donors.  A kidney from a living donor is more likely to begin functioning immediately; a kidney from a deceased donor will usually require dialysis for some time after surgery.  Also, a living donor will undergo extensive testing that a deceased donor will not.  So, you may be wondering what is life like with one kidney?  I am told it is almost exactly the same as living with 2 kidneys.  The most important thing is to maintain good kidney health and to protect the single remaining kidney.  The doctor has stressed the importance of staying well hydrated and healthy after kidney donation.  High blood pressure and diabetes are a few health issues that can lead to kidney disease.  I will need to maintain a healthy diet low in protein and salt.  As many of you know, I enjoy running I wanted to make sure that I would still be able to run long distances again someday.  The doctor said I could return to running in about 12 weeks, just have to stay hydrated!  There is a list of medications to avoid with one kidney.  Basically, all NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Aleve, Advil, a few antibiotics, and intravenous dyes (like the kind used for a CAT SCAN).  These drugs are all very hard for the kidney to process and can be damaging.  Sounds like Tylenol may be one of the few safe drugs.  Even though most of us are born with 2 kidneys, it is not uncommon for some to be born with only one kidney and live a completely healthy life.  Once the kidney is removed, the single kidney will grow to do the necessary work.  In as little as 3 months after surgery my remaining kidney will increase in size by as much as 33%!  What amazing bodies God has given us!! 

If you would like more info on kidney donation check out these helpful websites:     www.kidney.org, www.livingdonor101.com, www.lkdn.org

I am hoping this week goes by quickly!  I should have a decision from the Transplant Committee by the end of the week!  Please continue to pray for Gary and his family!!

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Testing Day 2

August 3, 2011

Today is testing day 2!  My first appointment is not until 11am.  Gary’s sweet wife Christy is watching my boys for the day.  My first appointment is at the Transplant Center on Live Oak.  I am having a GloFill procedure done.  My understanding is this procedure is done to test the function of my kidneys.  I was told to arrive at the test well hydrated, I was instructed to drink at least 5 8 ounce glasses of water daily and no caffeine or alcohol, 3 days prior to the test.  I wanted to make sure I was hydrated, so I cut out caffeine and began drinking only water a week before the test.  I arrived for the procedure and of course, I had to give ANOTHER urine sample.  Next, I had to drink a nasty iodine and warm diet coke cocktail…yuck!!  I was then given a GloFill injection in my arm; it is a synthetic form of Creatin (sp?).   (Creatin is broken down or processed by the kidneys.)  Every 30 mins I had to pee in a urine hat and it was measured, I was then told how much more water to drink and then blood samples are taken.  This went on for 3 hours!  Thankfully, I was well hydrated and only had to drink 1 cup of water every 30minutes.  I find it very interesting that there was a sweet man administering my GloFill procedure whose name is Gary!  This procedure was finished at 2pm and next I had a psychological evaluation with another social worker.  She was a very soft spoken and friendly.  She asked all kinds of questions about my life and my relationship with Gary and his family and why I wanted to donate.  I love to tell people how God called me to do this, but you never know how it will sound to a non believer.  I told her, “I know it sounds crazy to some people, but I honestly feel like I was called to do this”  With tears in her eyes she responded, “It does not sound crazy at all, I know exactly what you mean, I hear that all the time from people who are donating.” 

At 4 Pm, I went for a CAT scan of my kidneys and the arteries surrounding them.  At this point, I am STARVING!  I was not allowed to eat 1 hour before the GloFill and 4 hrs before the CT.  So, I have not eaten since breakfast!  I arrive and meet the man who will do my CT, whose name happens to be…..you guessed it, Gary!! God makes no mistakes!!  I have never had a CT before, so I did not know what to expect.  I lay on the CT table and the guy tells me he is going to inject a radioactive dye into my veins.  He said they have to inject it at such a high speed to capture it as it is going through the arteries for a good clear picture.  He warns me that the injection of the dye will give me a warm sensation and make me feel as if I have wet my pants….oh this should be fun!  He steps out of the room and speaks to me on an intercom.  He tells me to hold my breath and injects the dye though my IV.  I immediately feel a rush of heat, like the most intense hot flash ever!  My face became hot and I felt a little dizzy.  Then I felt it….the feeling he told me about, I thought for sure I had wet myself!!  I actually thought it felt like when I was pregnant with Ian and my water broke. I was scared to get up, because I just knew my pants were wet.  But strangely I had not we my pants, just a very similar feeling!!  Glad that is over!  At 5pm I was done with all of my pre-donor testing!!! 

We should have the results in a couple of weeks.  The Transplant Center will present my test results to the Transplant Committee, Baylor on Friday August 14^th.  They will determine if I am able to donate.  If so, surgery will most likely be scheduled in the next couple of months!!!  Prayers please!

 

Testing Day 1

August 1^st, 2011

Today is Testing Day 1 and I have a full day of appointments scheduled.  My wonderful husband has taken the day off work to watch the boys….Thank You Brad!!  I left my house around 615 am for my first appointment.  I have my 24 hour urine collection and stool samples in a large shopping bag ready to turn in.  I am praying, “Please God, do not let me get pulled over or get in an accident”, I kept thinking how embarrassing it would be for someone to see that I have these things in my car…HA! After being stuck in Dallas traffic for over an hour, I arrive at the Dallas Transplant Center on Viceroy.  I am told to go in the bathroom and give a urine sample.  I come out of the bathroom and am informed I am at the wrong office!  There was a typo on my paperwork; I was actually supposed to be at the Live Oak office.  I began to panic a little because I had no idea where the Live Oak office was and I knew that meant having to get back in rush hour traffic.  I found my way to the Live Oak office, and had blood drawn for my fasting & glucose labs.  Then I headed back to the Viceroy office.  I was given a full exam with the nurse and doctor.  They took my blood pressure, weight, & temp.  I was given an EKG and had a consult with the Nephrologists (kidney doc).  Next, I had more blood work done.  At 1pm I attended a donor info class, taught by a nurse at the transplant center.  Then a nurse came in the room and said she needed to redo my EKG because my “first one did not look right.”I had a moment of concern, what did she mean, it did not look right??  So, I had another EKG and she said it looked great.  She said the machine had been acting up and giving everyone the same readings….wish she had explained that sooner, I was concerned there was something wrong with me!  Everything turned out fine and I was told my Glucose test results came back really good (88).  At 230, I had an appointment at Baylor with the Living Donor Advocate, Social Worker, and Transplant Surgeon.   I really enjoyed meeting the surgeon and the social worker, they both put at ease any fears I have been feeling.  The surgeon informed me that his staff is “my team.”  He said Gary would be in an operating room next to mine with his own team.  He said he felt I was a good candidate for surgery because in his words, “I am a young, thin female”…….I like him already!!  He also said that women who have given birth usually recover the faster, because once you have given birth giving a kidney is no big deal…..we will see!  The surgery will be done laparoscopic.  The surgeon will do 3 small incisions to get his scope and instruments in, they will inflate my stomach with CO2 (gas) and make a larger incision in the lower pubic line area were the Doc will use his hands to remove my kidney….how cool is that!?  I am told a major side affect of surgery is bloating and gas for quite some time after surgery due to all the CO2 used to inflate my stomach.  So to all those planning to visit…..beware of the gas!  Ha-ha!!  I was excited to learn that my social worker goes to my church…..God makes no mistakes!  I was asked to watch a 30 min video about transplant surgery.  And, finally I met with the Living Donor Advocate, Jennifer.  She was very helpful in answering any questions I had.  Finally, at 530PM my appointments for the day were done.  I felt a little worn out and defiantly felt like I had information overload!!  Even with all of the information I had been given on risks and complications I am still 100% sure that I want to do this!  I have faith that God brought me into this journey and he will see me through!!

You've Got Mail

July 22, 2011

I came home from work today to see I had received a package.  I did not pay attention who the package was from before I ripped into it.  Not what I expected to ever get in the mail….a urine hat and biohazard container to store my urine!! Ha-ha!  Needless to say, Brad & I got a good laugh from this!  It was a package from the Dallas Transplant Center.  Along with the interesting urine collectors it also had a packet detailing my appointments for my health screening.  Health screening is the next step in the process, as long as all my tests come back good we can go through with surgery.  It will take a while to read through all of the information they sent me on testing.  My appointments have been scheduled for August 1^st and August 3^rd.  In the meantime, I am to collect a 24hour urine sample and 3 separate stool samples….this should be interesting!

Sharing the News

July 19^th 2011

Before I could offer to be a donor, I had to make sure Brad was on board.  We spent time discussing it, I’m sure he was not totally convinced right away.  But after listening to me, he replied “Vanessa, If God has called you to do something, who am I to stand in the way.” I always knew I had the best husband ever!!  I have to take a moment to say that I am so thankful for Brad!  He has always supported anything I have ever wanted to do.  When I wanted to quit my job and be a stay-at-home mom he said, I’m sure we can find a way to make it work….and he did!  And, since returning to school he has been my biggest support, encouraging me the whole way.  Now, with being a donor he tells me everyday how proud he is of me! I thank God for you Brad & I love you so very much!!

On June 23^rd, I contacted Christy and let her know I was interested in being a donor.  On July 13^th, I had a blood test to see if I was a match.  Gary & I met at the Dallas Transplant Center for a blood test.  We were told it would take about 2-3 weeks for the results.  In less than a week I got a phone call from the transplant center, she said “We got your results; you and Gary are a compatible match!”  I never had any doubt, I knew God had called me for a reason and I was certain we would be a match.  The transplant center keeps everything confidential and lets the donor pass on any info that they wish to the recipient.  So, I had the pleasure of calling Gary to let him know we are a match.  I called the McNiels on their home phone, they both happened to pick up the phone in different rooms of the house, I got to tell them both at the same time that we were a match….that moment was priceless!!  That day I felt a peace like I have never felt before.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it feels to know that I am following God’s plan for my life!!  People keep saying what an amazing person I am and how much courage this takes, I don’t really think of it that way.  I think I am just doing what I would hope someone would do for me….following the Golden Rule, I guess.  I have been told I am a blessing to this family….. but I honestly feel like I am the one being blessed, by allowing God to use me!!

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

How My Journey Began

Spring 2011

I first met the McNiel’s thru the Crossing Baptist Church, almost 7 years ago.  Both of our families have since moved on to different churches.  I have kept up with Gary’s health issues through his wife, Christy on facebook and through posts on her blog.   Although, we have never gotten to know the McNiel family very well, it has always been clear that they are an amazing family who loves God.  Gary & Christy’s faith always seemed to amaze me.  With all they have been put through, Christy said she “knew God had a plan and would not leave them blowing in the wind.” Gary & Christy have 2 sweet children, Sarah & Andrew.  Their beautiful daughter Sarah receives infusions monthly due to an immune deficiency.  Gary was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in his 20’s.  In 2008, Gary began Dialysis and is now on Dialysis 3 times a week.  I first learned that Gary needed a kidney transplant several years ago, but never imagined I was the one to give him it to him.  It has been several years since I have seen the McNiel family.  In February, I read a post in Christy’s blog that broke my heart.  Gary, an assistant principal, was being let go due to budget cut backs.  As you can imagine, he has struggled to find another job, due to having to take off work 3 days a week for Dialysis.  I learned Gary needed a transplant from a donor with Type O blood….I am O+.  At that very moment I felt God tapping me on the shoulder telling me I was the one to donate a kidney to Gary.  I have to admit, this was not easy for me to accept.  I spent a lot of time in prayer over the next few months.  It sounded crazy to me to give one of my organs away.  Time passed and I tried not to think about it, but God has a funny way of reminding us of what he has called us to do.  It would be little things, a song on the radio, or a story on the news about someone who was a living donor that would make me think of Gary.  I argued with God….I asked, “Why did you choose me God?”  I did not think I could do this.  I am not sure exactly what one thing changed my mind.  But, after many hours spent in prayer, God showed me that I COULD DO THIS!  I felt so close to God when I finally put all of my trust in him.  I know without a doubt that God has called me to be a living donor! 

The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (Psalm 25:10)