“Greta’s gratitude”…

Greta has been waiting for a liver transplant for a year and a half. This will be her second transplant because 17 years ago at the age of ten, her life was saved by the gift of organ donation.  Although this story is fairly short, it says a lot about this young woman who has experienced a lifetime of health issues. In the last sentence, Greta states “I received a DVD from my donor family and I feel blessed to have the DVD and know a little about what she was like”…. You see, Greta’s never-ending gratitude for her second chance at life that she received through organ donation at the age of ten completely sums up how grateful she is …S

I grew up a very healthy child. At age 10 I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. I was put on medication to stop my body from attacking my liver. I did very well on the meds until age 17. I woke up the second day of summer vacation feeling like I had the flu. I ended up having esophageal varices and was immediately taken to children’s hospital and rushed to surgery.  I was put on the transplant list and two weeks later I received my new liver. I had ups and downs but never had rejection. I had colon cancer and skin cancer about 7 years ago but the cases were mild. About 2 and half years ago I was at work not feeling well and went to the hospital. I later found out I had to have a new transplant because my spleen was enlarged and taking all my platelets and was causing my liver to fail. The doctors also found a blood clot in my liver. I am on medications again to keep me going.  I have been waiting for a year and a half so far for a new liver. I received a DVD from my donor family and I feel blessed to have the DVD and know a little about what she was like.

Thank you for sharing this story Greta & reminding us all how precious the gift of life is… S

5/8/12 – Update: Since we published Greta’s story, she has continued to hold on to hope for her “new life” as her health has continued to decline. Her kidneys have now failed and she is in need of both a kidney and liver transplant. Unfortunately, this is the case for those awaiting a life-saving organ  transplant, in order to receive the gift of life, you have to be the sickest one in the region where you are listed. Greta is now #1 in her region! She is so very ill but she remains positive… and she continues to hold on to hope!

5/17/12 – Update: Greta received “The Call” she just received her double organ transplant (Liver and Kidney) and is doing well.

8/23/12 – Sadly, Greta passed away this evening due to post transplant complications. She will be remembered for many things but I will remember her sweet, humble spirit and how grateful she was for each and every day. Thoughts and prayers for Greta’s family & friends over the days to come. Suzanne