Organ Recipients Association of Arkansas---by Robin

Today, Tom (my hubby) and I attended the Organ Recipients Association meeting of Central Arkansas in Little Rock, and I was impressed that there was such a group locally. I'd searched all avenues (or thought I had) and then found this group, almost in my back yard, so I want to give them a "shout" here.
This amazing group of people from all walks of life have bonded together to share the experience of having been an organ recipient and/or family member of an organ recipient. They actively work with ARORA, Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency, which "coordinates donor recovery and provides dignity, honor, and respect to both donor families and recipients". ARORA serves 64 counties in Arkansas and is a part of United Network Organ Sharing.
One thing I learned, much to my surprise, is that you are NEVER past the concern of rejection of your donor organ. I was under the misconception that once you made it past your one year anniversay, the incidence of an episode of rejection was minimal. It was an eye-opener but it reinforced my idea that there is a major need for an arena of support and education for patients, post transplant.
I give a "high-five" to Dave McNully for heading up this group and extend an invite to attend one of their meetings held the second Saturday of each month at Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock, Gilbreath Center. If you need further information, contact Dave at dgmcn@sbcglobal.net.
How great it is to meet others who share the bond of being an organ recipient. There is an understanding that is shared among us that may not be completely understood by our family and friends. In fact, I may even be so bold as to say, it's not completely understood by ourselves. But, the bond is there, apparent by the fact that when we meet, we are linked together by common experience. We wake each morning with the knowledge that we are here because of our donor family and we go to bed at night with that same acute awareness.