Eighteen years ago I was born with a genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis this disease made it very hard for me to breathe and absorb foods, it caused diabetes and osteoporosis among other things. I was constantly in and out of the hospital with infections and had one surgery after another.
By the time I was 11 years old. I could no longer go to school like a normal child; I was being pushed in a wheel chair by my family and friends, and needed oxygen because I just couldn't breathe! I was placed on a waiting list to receive a double lung transplant.
After, waiting about two and a half years I finally got the call and I received new lungs! I finally knew what it felt like to breathe. It was a whole new life for me.
I went back to school, got a job, did cheerleading etc. But it wasn't long – six months later – I got deathly sick! It was cancer! Cancer in both my new lungs! I fought it with Chemo and other treatments for about a year. But by the time it had gone away, rejection had set in to my lungs. Yet again I was no longer able to breathe. No more school, back in a wheelchair, back on oxygen and back looking for another set of lungs.
Just over one year on the transplant waiting list I received a second double lung transplant! Praise God!
I am currently fighting the rejection again and it has been over two wonderful years since my second transplant! Unfortunately, at this time, it seems that there are no real options for me except to live out the time that I have left to the fullest and to the glory of God! I am currently back on oxygen and in a wheelchair (at times). But, like I always say, “I just take it one step at a time, and I am thankful for each one!”
Although I am still here today, I have many friends that are no longer with us. Children and teens that had illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis that did not get there “Second Chance”. Just a little statistic for you, 18 people die everyday waiting on transplants. 6,411 Americans — one every 90 minutes — died in 2007 while on the transplant list. Also, my younger brother, who is doing quite well right now, was also born with Cystic Fibrosis.
I feel that God is calling me to help others in situations similar to my own and that I am still here for a reason! I want to help get the word out there about Organ Donation! If I could help one person get a “Second Chance” and make sure that one less family has to bury their loved one, I would feel like it was all worth while and I have done what I was meant to do.
Mobile Organ Donation Awareness Program
My mission now is to create a mobile organ donation awareness program. We will go college-by-college and school-by-school conducting events such as talks and fundraisers and, like I said, educating people about this subject that is so close to my heart! Another thing that I want to do is make it easy and accessible for people to get into the online organ donor registry.
My project could substantially increase the number of organ donors across the country. How? By providing an easily accessible mechanism to register new organ donors. This mobile organ donation awareness and registry program will target over 17.5 million college students across the country by funding high-profile vehicles equipped with registration kiosks and educational media. Staff members will be accompanied by individuals who have been personally impacted by organ transplantation.
The Problem I Am Addressing
18 people die every minute while awaiting an organ transplant. One organ donor can provide 8 organs and, thus, save 8 lives. Although organ transplantation saved 28,000 lives last year, more than 28,000 lives were lost while awaiting organs. WE NEED MORE DONORS! My project will substantially increase the number of donors by dispelling common transplant myths through advertising and education. Most importantly, it will provide increased awareness and immediate access to donor registration.
The Impact My Project Will Have
Currently, 37 states are approved for online organ registries, however, the word needs to get out about these registries and this is where my project will help. A few states have successfully utilized registry kiosks in fixed locations. I propose mobile online kiosks traveling to as many colleges across the country as possible, in order to substantially increase awareness among young adults who have yet to decide their wishes regarding organ transplantation.
My Inspiration
I have been given a second chance at life. My 18 year struggle with Cystic Fibrosis, which began at birth, has given me a personal perspective on organ donation. I have been blessed with two double lung transplants which have allowed me to experience joys in life that never would have been possible without the selfless act of an organ donor. I believe that MY SECOND CHANCE at life happened for a reason, and that is to fight for those who are awaiting THEIR SECOND CHANCE.
~ Melissa Boyett
First Coast News Story: October 21, 2008
Did You Know…
The total number of registered donors in the United States is nearly 70 million.
Only 35 percent of licensed drivers and ID card holders have committed themselves to donation by registering to be donors through their state registry or motor vehicle department.
