[Frank the Tank]

So about 6 months ago I started a thread about my cousin needing a kidney transplant and my family going through the testing process to see who would be a suitable donor. Turns out everyone failed out (including my mother) at one point or another. My mom and my Aunt (cousin's mom) were eliminated at the last possible stage. It was truly heartbreaking.

We all sat and waited as Michelle was put on the national donor list and we hoped for a bit of luck. Well, a few weeks ago, she got the call. They had a kidney. Everything went well, she was out and home eight days later and things were working the way they were supposed to work.

Then she got an infection. They couldn't find the source of the infection. She went back into the hospital and eventually ended up in the ICU. After a week in the ICU, the removal of the donor kidney, still no cure for the infection and on full life support, my beautiful cousin lost her fight.

I'm not fishing for sympathy (although I know I'll get lots) I just want to remind everyone how important it is to sign your donor cards and make your wishes known to your family. Your death can give so many people a new chance at life. So get off your duff and make your wishes known and give someone a second chance. It doesn't always work out but cases like my cousin are about one in 400 transplants. So sign your card.