Pennsauken, NJ resident, Ed Galarza, is not the type of man to complain or let illness and pain get the best of him. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, NY, Ed has worked hard throughout his life. Even when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, Ed kept pushing on and continued his work in construction.
“I had symptoms before I was diagnosed with cirrhosis – my stomach kept getting larger, I had jaundice and excessive pain, but I had to work and push through it.” said Ed. As he progressively became more and more ill, working through the pain became more difficult.
He was listed on the organ transplant waitlist when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis, but his future was unclear. Currently, 22 people die each day in the U.S. while waiting for an organ transplant, so Ed had no certainty about if and when he would receive a life-saving liver transplant. “I was worried for my family and didn’t know what was going to happen.” he said.
Then in 2003, he received the call of a lifetime – letting him know that a liver was available for him. After a 12 hour surgery, he came to and his wife and family were by his side. His wife, Marta, said, “His color looked better right away after the surgery. He had tubes everywhere, but I could see that he looked different, good.” “It was amazing – after just three or four days, I could sit up, the jaundice went away and I felt so different.” said Ed.
Since receiving his liver transplant, Ed’s life has improved greatly. He has more energy and has had an opportunity to travel with his wife of 41 years. “These past 15 years since I’ve had my liver have changed everything. I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding and see my son get married, and I’ve been able to see my three grandchildren be born and watch them grow. I feel so lucky and grateful for my donor. I don’t think there are words to really express it.” he said.
Hispanic Heritage month is held annually from September 15 – October 15th. It is a great opportunity to reach minority communities about the importance of registering as an organ donor, and to recognize Hispanics who have received the gift of life – like Ed Galarza – and those who are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. It’s also an opportunity to honor the generosity of individuals and families who were able to give to others through donation.
“These past 15 years since I’ve had my liver have changed everything.” — Ed Galarza
Ed said, “I think that there are a lot of myths and ideas that are wrong that can be changed through education. I think that talking to people and helping them to understand how many people are waiting for organ transplants and how they can help is really important.”
Today, there is a critical need to increase the number of registered organ and tissue donors in Gift of Life Donor Program’s region (eastern PA, southern NJ and DE) – with nearly 5,300 men, women and children awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. In the U.S., over 115,000 people are waiting. Nationally, minority communities constitute 36% of the population, but represent a startling 58% of those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.