Until 2003, Lyda Kroening had looked at organ transplantation as an interesting concept rather than a compelling personal call to action. After experiencing mysterious symptoms for months, Lyda’s physician diagnosed her with end-stage liver disease and told her that her only option was a transplant. Without warning her whole life changed. Just in time, she received "the greatest gift of all, the gift of life,” she wrote in her contest-winning essay. Now happy and healthy, Lyda helps raise awareness of the need for organ donors, a conviction she promotes in honor of her donor.

Lyda's Story

Almost everyone has heard of the miracle of organ transplantation. For most of us, it's just an interesting concept rather than a compelling personal call to action. Until two years ago, I was no different. But somewhere, a wise and selfless young woman saw a role she could play in the miracle and did something about it. Her action saved my life, and her legacy now lives on in me.

Without warning, my whole life changed. I had been experiencing symptoms whose cause remained mysterious for months. In an instant, my life seemed to shatter when the doctor told me I was already in end-stage liver disease! We could try some holding actions, but the only real hope was a transplant.

How could this possibly he happening? Surely I was meant to live longer than 54 years! Surely I was meant to raise my children to adulthood and someday cradle grandchildren in my arms! Surely my husband and I were meant to grow old together! What would happen if we couldn't find a donor in time? How could my family endure this ordeal?? I was totally overwhelmed by fear and doubt.

Time assumed a new importance. My illness progressed so quickly, it became evident that unless I received a transplant soon, I would be too weak to survive the surgery. On the question of transplantation, all we could do was wait and hope. On the question of living, however, I couldn't afford to wait. Time had become finite and precious, and I had to make the best use of it that I could. Deferring important things until later just wasn't an option.

Just in time, I received the greatest gift of all, the gift of life. I can only marvel at the vision of my donor. She was younger than I am and she had even less reason to anticipate drastic change. She had acted upon her belief in the organ donor program, though, and the importance was profound. Although I didn't know her, I deeply admire and respect her. I have set a course to build upon her vision and action. My volunteer work is directed toward raising public awareness of the need for donors, a conviction I am continuing to promote in her honor.

My concept of time is forever altered. The 18 months since my transplant represents less than 3% of my life span but profoundly affects my perspective. I have learned to appreciate and value the wonders of living. Things that I previously rushed through or deferred till later now command my attention. As I've traveled on this journey, my life has been touched by kind, caring, and loving people. Each day is a renewed blessing.