I always lived a very healthy and active lifestyle. I played collegiate basketball, lifted weights, ran trails, and was a personal fitness trainer. My day was not complete until I went to the gym for my two hour workout. I never thought at the young age of thirty-two that I would be fighting to live while awaiting a liver.

In May of 2001 I began taking a prescription medication not realizing that the drug was slowly attacking my liver. I became very lethargic; I did nothing but sleep the entire day. I could no longer get out of bed. I was so nauseous that I could no longer eat food. Finally, after a liver biopsy, my family and I were told that ninety percent of my liver was necrotic. I immediately became "status one" for a liver transplant. I had less than a week to live.

Three days later a liver became available to me, and I underwent emergency surgery. The surgery was a success with only hours to spare. I am so thankful that someone was able to give me the "gift of life."

As I look back on the five years since my transplant, I remember being in the hospital waiting for a liver. I knew that I was fighting against time, and I was terrified. I did not want to be taken away from my friends and family. At times it is a very distant memory, but the impact it has had on my life and the importance of being an organ donor, have very much been in the forefront of my mind. My experience will never be forgotten, nor will the organ donor who saved my life.

I am very fortunate that today I am healthy and continue to live the active lifestyle that I have always enjoyed. I have continued my personal training and educating my clients on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Written by: Kim Blanton, Liver Recipient