Yesterday was an interesting and inspiring day. I had the opportunity to photograph a charity event for Hope Transplant Support Organization. They offer support, obviously, and help raise awareness and funds for organ transplants. Their event yesterday included a brunch (with music provided by local classical guitarist, Edgar Cruz), a group photo of all the transplant recipients who were present, and a program. The program involved several speakers, mostly recipients, and awards given to the most recent and the longest surviving transplant recipients based on the organs received.
Each recipient is encouraged to create a patch that is later used in the making of a quilt. There were 4 or 5 complete quilts on display.
And, each recipient is also encouraged to bring an ornament to go on one of the Christmas trees. There were 5 trees full of ornaments. Troy Golden brought one that spelled out the word HOPE.Specifically, the speakers included a couple of transplant recipients, local pastor Troy Golden - who is awaiting a transplant and has an artificial heart operated by a pump he carries in a backpack - and a young mother who donated 20% of liver to her infant daughter (who is now 3 years old and quite healthy and active).
As a 2 year cancer survivor, I could relate to much of what they said; but at the same time, my situation never seemed as life-threatening as most of those I met yesterday. It was very inspiring to hear the stories of their struggles, how they made it through, and how they learned to cherish life by coming so close to losing it.
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