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april is national "DONATE LIFE" month

Waiting list candidates as of 3:24 pm (April o2,2008) 98,713

The only gift is a portion of thyself.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Now...I volunteer my time to speak for the American Heart Association, and on behalf of "DonateLife" by speaking for the University of Miami's transplant program.

My mission  is to educate, and put a face to transplantation.I have also spoken to donor FAMILIES...who have suffered great loss, and need to see what their loved ones gift did, and hear the words "THANK YOU"...

Many of them have never recieved a letter of thanks from their recipient.

* Dedicated in loving memory of Emily Kay Compton*

June 24,1977-April 6,2007

The biggest problem facing the transplant community today is the extreme shortage of organs. In an effort to help increase the number of organs available for transplant, UNOS founded Donate Life America.

About Donate Life America

Donate Life America is a separate, non-profit alliance of national organizations and local coalitions across the United States, dedicated solely to educating the public about organ and tissue donation.

Formed in 1993, Donate Life America provides information to patients, donor families, healthcare providers and the general public to help them make informed decisions about organ donation and transplantation.

Its primary purpose is to educate the public about organ and tissue donation, correct misconceptions about donation and create a greater willingness to donate.

                                     THANK YOU!

Many of my TABBLO friends know my story...a HEALTHY person, A nurse,(Emergency Dept) stricken by a virus that disabled me.

Without a heart transplant from my beautiful Angel/donor Emily...I would not be alive today.

The pictures tell all. Me, BEFORE transplant...I couldn't work, or do much because I was so weak , tired, and out of breath. I was like a 90 year old.THEN...me just 4 months after transplant...then just last month ,SKIING in Colorado just 10 months later. A MIRACLE!

Visit the Donate Life America website to learn about how you can commit to being an organ, eye and tissue donor in your state.

 

www.donatelife.net

YOU HAVE THE POWER...

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE...

Like somebody did for me...

She is my Angel...at first I did not know her name.

Then, through a letter from her Mother, I learned her name is Emily.

She died April 6 2007, after being struck by a car while jogging. Her Mother told me "She WAS life, pure joy to anyone who knew her..."she had a heart bigger then her body could hold."

Her heart saved my life...

I love you Emily, my "Sister of the heart". Heart and soul...

Thank You, and all your family for giving the "Gift of Life"
COMMENTS
Debdog said at 3:58 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
I really feel passionate about this...
Ira said at 4:05 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Dear Debbie! Excellent photos on yours Tabblo! And great purpose. Rescue of human life. I never would refuse to become the donor if knew what is it will rescue any of the man. But in our country about it there is not enough of information.
Candlepower said at 4:18 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Wonderful this Tabblo really touched me. I am signed up as an organ doner because I think its the right thing to do. Thank heavens you had a second life.
Wflorence said at 4:24 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Very informative and touching tabblo. I give thanks to God for your wonderful gift.
Krisu said at 4:35 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
You really have a new life, even a new job to do as a "face" like you said and educate people. I'm so happy for you! And I'm also happy for our long distance friendship! Some day we'll sit at the same table and we talk and talk and we talk! :D Right? GREAT TABBLO!!!
YorkJodi said at 4:38 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Oh Deb... I did not know (being new to tabblo)... This is such a neat, well put together tabblo... sad & happy... it could be a poster for the Donor program. I have donor marked on my drivers license and my family knows... should I still go to the website you provided?? Thank you for this... Jodi
Loes said at 4:45 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
So touching and informative, here in Holland we're in about the same position as you are, always short of donors!
Tishfish said at 5:14 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
So beautiful Deb :-)
Emmabro said at 5:16 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
tears from me at the "Beauty" of this Tabblo ...it is like you and your "Angel" heartwarming and truly remarkable... XxEm
Debdog said at 5:24 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
thanks Ira, Pat, Bill.Kris.Reta, Jodi,Loes, Doreen, Emma :)
Swedfinn said at 5:26 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Thats a great mission you have to spread information about what you gone through. I hope that your Great Tabblo will bring new donators and informators. May the Power be with You!!
MaskedKat said at 5:30 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Great job, Deb! And in addition to being an organ donor, please don't overlook donating blood. Here in NE Florida, they are halting transplants and some other surgeries due to a critical blood shortage. ALL of us can donate life in some way - and in some very painless ways at that!
Gerardfotografeert said at 5:47 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Excellent work and a great, interesting and touching tabblo Debra. I known your story and with this tabblo you're an excellent ambassador for "Donate Life America".
Jantass said at 5:49 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Debra ,Your history is very beautiful, I believe in the miracles and the power of God and the faith.. When she was a 19-year-old girl I was in between the life and the death, no doctor could believe that I would conquer a cancer that was in the fourth stage, but my faith and the prayers of many persons did the miracle, I get excited on having seen your tabblo since God gave to you the second opportunity in the life and what you do it is very beautiful and with love .yo now I continue waiting for a Miracle for My mother, that somehow God Blesses me as to you.. The person who gave to you the heart knows that it was given to a great woman as your.. Your tabblo is my favorite for the education of life and gives love that your you represent.. ( She Forgives the mistakes of Translation please ).. Thank you for sharing something so beautiful ...



Debra ,Tu historia es muy hermosa ,yo creo en los milagros y el poder de Dios y la fe ..Cuando era una niña de 19 años estuve en entre la vida y la muerte ,ningún medico podía creer que yo vencería un cáncer que estaba en la cuarta etapa ,pero mi fe y las oraciones de muchas personas hicieron el milagro ,me emociono al ver tu tabblo ya que Dios te dio una segunda oportunidad en la vida y lo que haces es muy hermoso y con amor .yo ahora sigo esperando un Milagro para Mi madre ,se que de alguna manera Dios me Bendice al igual que a ti ..La persona que te dio el corazón sabe que se lo dio a una gran mujer como tu ..Tu tabblo es mi favorito por la enseñanza de vida y da amor que tu representas ..(Disculpa los errores de Traducción por favor )..Gracias por compartir algo tan hermoso
Wildthing said at 5:55 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Well done, Debra. You are inspirational. I'm glad to know you & your story through tabblo.
Snooway said at 6:31 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Thanks Debbie, this is very important! A beautiful tabblo :)
Cmb13 said at 8:39 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
What a fantastic change in occupation - from caring for others as a nurse, to acting as a spokeswoman for a fantastic cause. Either way, directly or indirectly, you're touching the lives of many. Emily couldn't have asked for a better recipient. I'm sure she's proud of you, as we all are.
Cowgirl said at 9:11 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Thanks for sharing your life story through your tabblos... I have a friend who lives in South Miami
he has had a transplant of a liver for 10 years itis past the lifetime they say.. He has his good days and bad ...My husband and I have sighnd the back of our drivers license .also my three beauitful grandaughters and thier parents..... and iam a life donor for our blood drive here ..
Thanks again ... Bobbie
ConnieL said at 9:39 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Debra, this is so beautiful and touching! I hope you reach lots of people with your message.
BrendaDelaney said at 10:08 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
My Dear Debbie,
Thank you so much, my heart is filled with joy and my tears are both of sadness and joy. Its hard for me to see my Emmy only through photos and memories. But I am so so thankful that God chose you to receive her HEART..like I have said before the Precious Gem you carry will only become more Precious as days go by. God Bless You and THANK YOU
Aunt Brenda
Debdog said at 10:15 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
thanks Jorma,Robin..yes, you are so true...when I was at the University of FLorida for my checkup..they had signs all over for DESPERATE need of blood!!!!! YES..that IS something easy for people to do to help others!!!!!!!!
Debdog said at 10:16 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
THanks Gerard, and Jeanine...THANKS!!!! my prayers for your continued health and that if your mother !
THanks MIke, and thanks for thoses you help!
THanks connie :)
Debdog said at 10:19 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Brenda...you know I am sorry for your loss...it seems only right that I give back...even if I can reach and make a change through some small actions...it is worth it...I appreciate your WHOLE familie's warmth to me...I know and look forward to the day we meet and share a big hug, tears, and smiles...God bless you all too. :)
SterlingGray said at 10:30 p.m. on Apr 2, 2008:
Okay, I have to stop and wipe the tears from my eyes. What a wonderful Tabblo and a very, very inspirational story. Aunt Brenda, I am very sorry for your loss, but very thankful for the wonderful daughter you raised and the very unselfish act she performed. It speaks volume of Emily and you. The donation she made could not have gone to a better person, what an incredibly kind and caring person Debra is. And as for Donate Life America, they could not have asked for a better ambassador. Wonerful mesage and wonderful Tabblo.
Hellodear said at 12:44 a.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
I'm moved every time i read your story. This is my fifth time with tear filled eyes. Your target is appreciable. God Blesses their family.

Thanks! KAM
Shenresi said at 7:07 a.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
Yes, Deb the story is very great and I think that many people could be helped , when humans spent their organs, but the other side is, that many criminal things would happen, when other people kill persons and kids to get their organs.
Debdog said at 11:24 a.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
OH! woow..not sure how to answer that...I do think there is a lot of fear, and "urban legend" stuff that creates misconceptions, that with Education, the truth, and public awareness...will dispell a lot of problems...that is my mission!!!!!!!!! :) It is a tightly controlled process...to assure equality to all.If if you have millions of dollars.
Debdog said at 11:25 a.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
check out
WWW>DONATELIFE.NET
or...UNOS google it lots of info there
Anjad said at 2:05 p.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
What a beautiful tabblo Deb. I think that more people should take part of the donor program. From the abov comments I understand that in America you can fill in the back of your drivers license. That is a very good idea. We don't have that overhere. In our country a person receives a donorform when he reaches the age of 18. In this form you can write that you want to be a donor or not, or that you want you family to decide what to do when the time comes.
My hart goes out to Emily's family. Love, Anja
(b.t.w. You look great !!)
Debdog said at 8:12 p.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
thanks Anja...:)
Debdog said at 8:14 p.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
I never showed what I looked like BEFORE>>>>but as you can see, it is a HUGE difference!!!!!
TexasCathie said at 10:27 p.m. on Apr 3, 2008:
Deb,
I knew what you looked like before, during and through pictures, after. I like the looks of you healthy. I am glad you are, once again. Thank you Emily.
Pkeener said at 9:41 a.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Deb, this is amazing. i am really proud of you for making this tabblo. Acknowledging Emily. i have had that box checked on my driver's license for years, but this really brings it home. Life is Good!!
Debdog said at 9:55 a.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
thansk Pam and Cathie
ConnieL said at 9:57 a.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Congratulations on Tabblo of the Day!! :)
Charlespop said at 9:59 a.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
This is really great........you need to do a Japanese version of this....here in Japan....mainly because of religious reasons.....very, very few people donate organs. Many Japanese have to go abroad to get an organ transplant.....thanks again for your tabblo !
Debdog said at 11:10 a.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
you are welcome Charles... :)you can translate it for me!!!!!!!!
Little_italy4_me said at 11:51 a.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Deb, thank you for sharing this story and letting us that don't know you as well get to know you better. Very informative and inspirational. Beautiful work from a beautiful person! Life is good!
JuDeck said at 11:54 a.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Beautiful tabblo Deb.
Welshchick said at 12:39 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Dear Deb, Thank you for this Tabblo and for being you~ Dear Emily, your precious life goes on in many wonderful ways~ Dear Brenda,God bless you over and over again with comfort and Peace and assurance that Love never fails...There is another beautiful chapter ahead~ Thank you~ Sincere prayers and hugs for you all!
Debdog said at 2:25 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
thanks connie,laurie,Jude, RHonda.... :) life IS GOOD
Memotions said at 4:26 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Well put together, Debbie and the message is not just important, but lifesaving. Without organ donation, you would not be living proof of the benefits. Your real life has just begun. God bless you for your passion and committment. Love you lots, little sister! XOX
Chiloedream said at 5:42 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Un tabblo IMMENSE, merci pour ce témoignage et ce message. Bravo Debbie.
Bethe27 said at 7:30 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Oh Debbie, Your loving story is an inspiration to us all. Your pictures and words are truly a reflection of the wonderful person you are. Thank you for continuing to share your life with us! Thank you , thank you, thank you!!!!
Uhrichkr said at 7:45 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
Wow--what a great way of telling your story. Congrats on Tabblo of the Day, and even more for being such an inspiration to so many people.
Andre. said at 9:10 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
The nice one
KiKo94 said at 9:53 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
This is a really beautiful tabblo.
Debdog said at 10:51 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
thanks Patty, my big sister! :)xxxxooooo
Bethe,THierry, Uhricher,Andre, KoolK....thank you all :)
Debdog said at 10:53 p.m. on Apr 4, 2008:
SPECIAL THANKS>>>>TO ALL WHO GAVE ME A "FAVORITE"WOW!!!!!!!!! thanks so much....
Abking said at 2:56 a.m. on Apr 5, 2008:
Happy story, and inspiring. I have the donor box checked on my driver's license.
Hellodear said at 4:47 a.m. on Apr 5, 2008:
Deb,
me Again, with my wet eyes for her, Your tabblo is worth for TOD. Inspiring. Good contribution and information for the tabblo world.

Thanks!
KAM