THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 25, 1996 TAG: 9609250005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
After hearing about a sister who recently gave her brother a kidney, I would like to address the issue of organ donation.
I inherited the same kidney disease as that brother, polycystic kidneys. My only sibling did not inherit it, but he was not a suitable match.
I received a cadaver kidney 3 1/2 years ago and life was almost immediately back to normal. In fact, I have a greater appreciation of life, having almost lost mine. I work a full-time job, and I thank God every day for the family of my donor, a teen-age boy from Chesapeake. My family and I are so grateful for their unselfish gift to me. Never a day goes by that I do not think of them and their pain.
The need for organs is great. Please sign those donor cards and driver's licenses and remember to discuss the decision with your family. In doing so, you'll have the wonderful feeling of knowing that one day you will be the reason for someone being able to be around to watch their children and grandchildren grow up - like me!
KITTY SUE HANNAH
Portsmouth, Sept. 17, 1996 by CNB