Organ donor

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Two weeks ago, my uncle and I walked down the hall to the pre-surgery prep room. I held his frail arm and as he fought back tears, he said, "I'm really scared." I said, "Don't be — we're almost done now."

I donated a kidney to my uncle. I was the only match in the family and never wavered in my conviction to do this. I was completely at peace and wanted to help my uncle live. Not just live, but thrive.

Are you listed on the National Kidney Registry for living donors? Do you have that organ donor sticker on your driver license? You should.

Nothing — ever — in this world will replace that moment the day after surgery when I held my uncle's hand, looked down at him and said, "We did it." He looked up at me with medicated, sleepy eyes and said, "Yeah, we did."

Become an organ donor today. Right now.

Wendy Maurer

Midvale