My mother is my inspiration, so of course, I found it fitting to have her on my podcast. I hope you find her inspiring too!

Learn more about my mother and this podcast episode by reading this Blog Post.

 

 Episode 3: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (120)

I am full of energy, gratitude and optimism today.  While my brother is my real-life hero, my mother is my inspiration and provides the strength I need to forge ahead.

She has always been by my side. That is why it was surprising to hear that prior to my being born, she never thought in a million years, that should could care for a sick child. However, she did it and was great at it too. She is the definition of strength and inspiration in my book. That is why I had asked her to be a guest on my podcast, specifically  to talk about her experiences as a mother to a child who was in and out of the hospital for the first six years of their life (me).

As you will hear in our conversation, this woman, is amazing. There is one sentence my mother kept repeating during our conversation “You just do what you have to do. You don’t think about it, you just do.” Mom, I have to tell you, not everyone thinks that way and that is why you, you are an inspiration.

Listen to Episode 3

In 2001 I had the chance to honor my brother at a Living Donor Appreciation Dinner which was given by the hospital we had our transplant surgery. Not many people get a chance to do this sort of thing, so I was honored, excited AND nervous to get up in front of a room of people and talk. At the time, my speech giving skills weren’t anything to write home about, but the words I said are true and I spoke from my heart. So, I wanted to share this awesome moment with you.  Here is a video **the actual footage could be a lot better, but the words are where it’s at **

Here is another video I created a while ago, as part of a college project, honoring my brother:

Did you know that April is Natonional Donate Life Month? You can be somebody’s hero too. Visit: http://www.donatelife.net/to learn more.

Kidney Day is a very special day for me, as well as, for my family. It is the day my brother donated his kidney to me. Today marks the 10th anniversary of Kidney Day!

I cannot believe that 10 years have gone by already. Because of my brother’s most special, self-less and awesome gift (his kidney, one of HIS organs, how cool is that?) the past 10 years I have been able to live my life to the fullest. In just those ten short years, I have gotten married, bought a house, continued my educational journey, started my business (a lifelong dream of mine) and am now on my way to inspiring others to do the same. I believe the next 10 years are going to be just as awesome — so what is in store? Well, here is a preview of some of the things I hope will come: To be able to do this podcast thing full-time and bring amazing stories to my listeners, go on The Amazing Race (some may think I am crazy for wanting this, but to see the world, in a race, with my husband by my side, how cool would THAT be?), to have a family of our own, and my goodness, to see my nephew turn 20 years old (just thinking about that makes my heart race, children grow up way too fast). I am able to do all of the things I have done and can dream about the future all because my brother donated his kidney to me. Without it, there is a very good possibility I wouldn’t be here writing this blog post at this very moment. Today is an awesome day!

Did you know that April is Natonional Donate Life Month? You can be somebody’s hero too. Visit: http://www.donatelife.net/to learn more.