Giving back after receiving and transplant can have massive benefits in your life. You had to walk the tightrope that is the transplant wait list and fought for your life along the way. Now, you’re living life (albeit a changed one) thanks to the most generous gift a person could receive. So how can you show your appreciation?
Giving Back Has More Than One Look
When we think about giving back, volunteering or monetary donations are what come to mind. But it can be so many other things. As transplant recipients, one way we can give back immediately is by taking care of ourselves.
It’s simple. When we go to our appointments, take our medications, and listen to our doctors, we give back. Our donors, whether living or deceased, have given us the opportunity at our second chance at life. What better way to honor them than to take care (quite literally) of the gift they gave us.
For instance, let’s say someone gave you a collector’s item worth a lot of money. You would display it proudly and take excellent care of it. You wouldn’t toss the thing on the floor where it collects dust and could get broken, would you?
Your organ is no different except the worth is far greater than some object that sits on a shelf. If you are a liver recipient, you aren’t headed out to the bar for cocktails every night. If you are, well then…this is why you can’t have nice things. Living your life to the fullest while making sure you stay physically well is the easiest way to give back.
The Benefits (and Importance) of Giving Back
Not only as a sign of gratitude, but also because there are so many areas where you can help. Think about about all the places you’ve gone where you’ve seen volunteers. Hospitals, community centers, information desks, food banks, and shelters. This list is long y’all. All those places rely on their volunteers to support them or help spread the word about their cause.
Find something you’re passionate about and get to it! We all share a passion for organ donation and transplantation. But it doesn’t have to be that. Look for other ways you can help out in your community.
Giving back offers us the chance to be more connected with our community. It helps us form bonds with people who share a common passion. And keeps us humble. It can be so simple to get wrapped up in all the trivial things that go on in our day-to-day lives. At the end of the day, does it really matter that someone cut you off on the way to work?
I’m not saying that the things you experience don’t matter. Not at all. But volunteering your time can remind you that you are part of something bigger. That small hiccups in your day are not catastrophic and you are contributing to this big crazy world we live in.
Most of all, you reap the benefits of a healthier life. Not only physically, but mentally too. You’ll experience feelings of self-worth, sense of belonging, and life meaning.
Make the Time
No one is expecting you to run out and dedicate hours of your day every day. Although, if you can, kudos to you! But we can all spare a little bit of time to give back.
Everyone is busy. We have spouses, families, careers, and appointments. On top of that, everyone’s version of busy is a little different. If you take a close look though, you can find some time. An hour a day? That might not be an option. A few hours a month? That’s a bit more managable. Even a couple of hours every couple of months. A little goes a long way. Not only for the places you give to but also for yourself.
How Can You Start Giving Back?
Well, bearing in mind we are still in the middle of a pandemic, some of these things may not be practical yet. Here are a few ideas that are transplant-related for when things start to return to “normal.”
Volunteer with the hospital where you received your transplant. I have had the good fortune of being able to volunteer with my transplant department. I have visited with patients who are going through evaluations as a, “See, I made it, so can you!” example. Visiting admitted patients in the hospital has also been something I’ve done. These are folks who are either waiting for or have recently received a transplant. Most of these people can use someone to listen and hear they’re not alone.
Hospitals also have needs in other areas too. People to manage coffee carts, information desks. Others to work as greeters and way-finders. These are only a few things a hospital might need.
Start a support group (or be a person another transplant recipient could call). Again, some people just need to hear that they are not alone and that things will get better.
Help another transplant patient get to and from appointments if they can’t drive.
Volunteer with your local OPO. Donate Life America has branches all over the country. I volunteer with Donate Life Colorado where there are many ways to give back. In the past, I have spoken at the DMV, a Donor Family Tribute, hospital rounds, and several other places. I have also manned “Donor Designation Stations.” Here I have shared a brief bit of my story and encouraged others to consider becoming an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
Often, OPOs can use help in their offices with administrative work or with organizing a local Donor Dash. This brings me to the next item on the list.
Attend your local donor dash. These a great chance to meet people who are also recipients. It is also the perfect place to honor and celebrate donors.
How We Give Back Isn’t the Most Important
No matter what you decide to do, start right away. Whether it’s living the best and healthiest life you can or volunteering your time. Being more patient and kind, or donating monetarily, find that spark and act on it.
Making a conscious effort is what’s important. When your heart and mind are in the right place and your focus is on giving back and helping others, you can’t go wrong.
We have all seen the “gimme gimme” mentality all too often. Strive to be the person who does the opposite. You’ll get all the warm and fuzzies from doing so. And your little partof the world will be better for it.
As Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
