Napa Valley Mom Shares Son's 'Donate Life' Story

From Napa Valley Reader, Melanie Merrill-Kennedy:

"April is 'Donate Life' month. ... I wanted to share our family's story of how organ donation saved my son's life.

I met Pochie upon his admission for liver transplant at Lucile Packard Children's hospital, where I worked as a physician assistant in transplant surgery. He was placed in foster care just a few short weeks before receiving his gift of life on January 17, 2012. He had a prolonged hospital stay and as a result of the countless hours I spent caring for him we formed a special bond.

My family and I relocated to Napa in November of 2012. Shortly before our move, I received notification that Pochie needed a new placement so I literally took my work home and brought this amazing little person into my family fold that December. It hasn't been easy but it's been a wonderful journey. On December 4, 2015 we finally adopted Pochie and our family circle has grown with the inclusion of his biological family.

He and all the wonderful transplant children I've cared for are the reason why I am so passionate about organ donation. None of them would be here today if not for the gifts of life they received in their time of need. I am forever grateful to Pochie's donor and his family for making such a powerful and selfless decision in their time of sorrow.

Here is a link to the video I created to celebrate Donate Life month.

The need is urgent: California ranks first among all states with more than 22,000 men, women and children on the organ transplant waiting list. Nationally, there are almost 124,000 in desperate need of an organ transplant. 1 donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of up to 50 people. To learn more about being an organ donor and to register please visit the website here.

Melanie Merrill-Kennedy"