Sisters

[LizCarpenter]

I guess I am the newest member... as of 8/1/05. I am 25 and I recieved a new heart last year. I received the heart of a beautiful 19 year old girl named Lindsay Miller. There were 5 people in the accident... 3 were killed and 2 were donors. Lindsay was a college student... someone ran her and her friends off the road. Gosh she was beautiful!
Before transplant was bad. I was 80 lbs... I could not keep any food down... used wheelchair... used oxygen... NO driving... BNP was 2,500... was not expected to live past Christmas.
I am 100% better now... just dealing with the emotions that come and go! Last biopsy came back 0... no rejection. Blood work is good. Exercising... eating good... taking meds... LIFE IS GOOD!
The bad news... my 22 year old sister is now waiting on a new heart. She is so sick. I pray for her... I am scared for her!
I waited 2 months for a new heart... she has been waiting 6 months. It is not fair that mine came so quick and she is having to suffer... she deserves this new chance at life... she deserves to be well!
Please pray for my sister... Kadie Garner.

[Linda]

Liz, Welcome.

I'm happy to read how good things are going for you. Your sister will certainly be in my prayers. This wait is trying for everyone, not just the person in such desparate need of a new heart.

The tragedy faced by the families of those lost never really goes away, but your post shows one more time, how much their generous donation of organs means to so many others. These donors are never forgotten.

Best wishes, please keep us posted. Linda

[angall]

Hi Liz
Welcome to the HCMA.

Yes, you are the newest member, but you have so much knowledge due to the fact you've already had a transplant and can help others that are waiting.

I have been told that in time I will need a transplant, but I have decided not to worry about it. I may not need it for another year, two years, etc. Who knows?

Prayers for your sister that is waiting for a new heart.

[Midge Rollins]

Liz, welcome to the board. I am so happy for you. The emotions you are dealing with come with a transplant. Some caused by the medicines and others caused just by the feelings of gratefulness toward our donor family. I will keep your sister in my prayers.

[shirleymahoney]

Liz

Welcome to the HCMA, I'm so happy you received your heart and i will keep you and your sister in my prayers also

Shirley

[Reenie]

Hi Liz. Thanks for sharing your story. I'll keep your sister in my prayers. You're in my prayers too, as you learn how to deal with the emotions of having a new heart.

Reenie

[Pam Alexson]

Liz so happy to hear of another success story about transplants. Your sister is also in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your story with us all.

Pam

[LizCarpenter]

Well I thank each of your for your prayers and thoughts. Kadie, of course, needs s many as she can get. Once she gets transplanted... we will be the first siblings in Mississippi to get heart transplants!!! I thought that was WAY COOL!
I do have one favor to ask... Please keep our donor families in your prayers. I am sure most of you can relate... we would not be here if it were not for them. They are our miracles.
Thanks for all the words of encouragement. It means a lot to me and to my sister. She will get through this just as I did!!!

[dreamcatchinglady]

Hi Liz,
I am glad to hear you are feeling great and congrats on receiving your heart. My prayers are with the donor families, you and your sister. I too am waiting for a heart. I am 31 and been waiting since October 8th of last year. What a journey for all of us we will have all stories to share. God bless you.

[AliBear]

Liz,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your sister, your family and the donor families. I am 25 and recieved a heart 8 months ago. I understand how it feels to finally be able to live life, excersize and have fun!!! Good things have happened to you, and I am sure the same will happen for your sister. Again my thoughts are with you all.

Ali :D

[Debbie]

Liz,

My best wishes to you and your sister. I hope that she can get her new heart soon.

Debbie

[Grecoeuro]

Liz

how are you and your sister doing?

Theo

[Glen Beamish]

Liz, sounds like you got yours in the niche of time and your getting along just great.
I wish your sister all the best and hope she gets hers soon.