NBC29Coping While Waiting for the Gift of Life
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Organ donation is a tough topic for a lot of families. It's hard to think one day that donation could become real. But for others, their reality is waiting, while they're waiting for someone to give them the gift of life.
One man knows all too well what that is like, and is doing everything he can to make it easier on others. William Bailey has a lot to celebrate. 16 years ago, he was given a new heart. Now he's getting recognized for what he's given back to other patients, including Joe King.
King's been waiting for a heart since June and has been in the hospital for the last two months. "I've already adjusted to the fact, the hard fact, which is I'm only going to get out of here in two ways and one is with a heart," said King.
It's a tough reality to face, but one Bailey makes a little easier as part of the hospital's transplant support group. "At one period while I was in the hospital I got down because I thought we weren't going to get a heart for a while and he came in and he gave me some support, and I was convinced," shared King.
Doctors are convinced the emotional difference makes a medical difference, too. Dr. James Bergin, who's part of the UVA Heart Transplant team said, "Everyone has up days and down days, and if you know that you're having a down day and everyone else has been through this, it's to be expected. I think it makes it a lot easier to get through."
It's already hard enough. Doctors say organ donations are down in part because people are living safer lives. That's a good thing.
"But there are a lot of things that still happen that are unfortunate accidents and that's what we need to make use of and that's what we're falling apart on right now where just not enough people are willing to give their organs," stated Bergin.
Until more people are willing to be donors, Bailey will be offering experience and encouragement to those with sometimes too little time on their hands.
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