This post was submitted by guest blogger, Danielle Rosado.
My dad Joseph suffered for many years with heart disease, diabetes, and spinal stenosis. He had several ablations done in an attempt to correct issues with his heart all of which were unsuccessful. While down at U Penn, the transplant process started and we were hoping to get my dad a new heart. He was finally stable enough to be sent home in the beginning of July, 2014. He spent a couple weeks in rehab, but eventually transitioned home.
On July 26, 2014 my dad ‘walked’ me down the aisle. He was too weak to walk so he had the wheelchair with him that day. Months prior I would always tell him he needed to get better and stronger so I could dance with him at my wedding. When it was time, I figured we would somehow maneuver the wheelchair and dance to “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Much to my surprise, my Dad got out of his wheelchair, and although only briefly, danced with me. I will forever cherish that moment.
Just like the lyrics in that song he was very much my hero and everything I wish I could be. Just six short days after my wedding, I received a call that would forever change my entire family’s lives. My dad had coded again (he had a few times in the past…but they were always able to bring him back). This time was different… he was gone.
My dad was a registered organ donor, however he thought he didn’t have anything to give. He was wrong. He was able to donate his corneas. My mom was able to reach out to SightLife and found out one of my dad’s corneas went to help restore the vision of a man in Connecticut and another was placed internationally. My mom, sister, brother, and nephew then went and visited with the recipient in Connecticut last year. Prior to receiving my dad’s donation, this man was not an organ donor. Afterwards, he became one, saying it was his obligation to one day pay it forward.
My family and I are all registered organ donors, and although my dad was never able to get his second chance with a new heart, knowing he was able to help two people helps ease the pain of his absence. I strongly urge everyone to become an organ donor because lives truly can be saved!