Transplant Survivor Thrives 36 Years Later

Transplant Survivor Thrives 36 Years Later

One liver transplant recipient shares her story and insight on the gift of life and, at its core, why donation is about humanity and helping one another. It wasn’t just about survival; it’s about reclaiming life.  

By Winnie Bender, Sierra Donor Services Ambassador

In 1970, my life changed forever when I became sick with autoimmune hepatitis, where my own body repeatedly attacked my liver. Twenty years later, I received the gift of life through a liver transplant that’s given me 36 more years and counting.

Because of the kindness and love of one organ donor and their family, I am alive and well 56 years after my “incurable” disease diagnosis. I try to live by the golden rule of “do unto others as you want others to do unto you,” and I’m so grateful my donor hero did, too. We all have gifts to share, and each of us can be a source of hope. I encourage you to follow my donor’s example and register to give life. Be a part of this life-changing legacy. Register today at SierraDonor.org

Read more about this inspiring story here: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article315759973.html