Just another update: There is still nothing new to report. I did write an email to my doctor, who has been on vacation through this whole "stand by" situation. Nonetheless, that is what I am doing. I have had a bit of relapse on the retail therapy front, but luckily, I have been working so I haven't done much damage. I have been trying to organize my space so that at least one space in my life is uncluttered. As it turns out, more things have ended up with labels than truly organized. I still have difficulty sleeping, but I have a new class for reading so I am hoping that will do it. I am deflated about school and the DLP- I still haven't heard whether or not I have/not been admitted but I have a bad feeling and I haven't yet come up with a practical plan B. So blue is my color right now, even though the shoes I bought were pink (and very cute).
More later... send positive thoughts my way and keep me in your prayers. (thanks)

IMPORTANT SURVEY INFO. WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR....
U.S. Public Is Taking Action to Support Organ Donation, Gallup Survey Finds
February 15, 2007
HHS's Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) today announced the results of a 2005 Gallup Organization survey which indicates that Americans continue to strongly support the donation of organs and tissues for transplantation. More importantly, the survey also finds that far higher percentages of Americans have taken personal actions to become organ donors since a similar 1993 survey on donation.
The percentage of individuals who have granted permission to donate their organs or tissues on a driver's license or an organ donor card reached 53 percent in 2005, almost double the 28 percent who had done so in 1993. HRSA Administrator Elizabeth Duke urges anyone interested in becoming an organ donor to learn how at OrganDonor.gov. HRSA directs federal efforts to promote donation.

Nearly all of the survey respondents – 97 percent – said they would donate a family member's organs if they knew the person's wishes ahead of time. The 2005 survey reported that 71 percent of Americans had talked to a family member about their donation wishes, up from 52 percent in 1993.
"Make sure you tell your relatives about your intention to donate once you sign up. Sharing your intentions with family members is an important part of the donation process," Duke added.
Gallup also found that among U.S. racial and ethnic groups, Whites (61 percent) in 2005 were most likely to indicate donation on their driver's license, followed by Latinos and Asians (both at 39 percent), and Blacks (31 percent).
"The results of this survey show that more Americans than ever are aware of the importance of organ donation and are taking action," stated Duke. "But we must do more, particularly in minority communities where support for donation is weaker. I encourage more families to discuss this issue, because their decision to donate in a time of grief can bring hope and life to many others."
The Gallup Organization's 2005 National Survey of Organ and Tissue Donation Attitudes and Behaviors queried over 2,000 Americans concerning their attitudes toward donation of organs and tissues for transplantation. The study replicates the 1993 survey and includes new items as well. For more information on how you can become an organ donor and more detail on the Gallup survey results, visit www.organdonor.gov/survey2005.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. HRSA also oversees a national organ and tissue transplantation system. For more information about HRSA, visit www.hrsa.gov.

Sorry for the delay in posting, I know that many of you have called today looking for updates...
Well, 5am came, then 7am, both passing without a call or word on my status. At 9am I called the doctor (my doctor is on vacation for 2 weeks), to find out some word.
"Oh...I don't know. I haven't heard from the oprgan bank. I don't know if the organ is available yet, if they passed you over or what. I'll let you know when I hear something." It is now 3:30 and I have been trying to nap or watch the Family Feud in order to distract. Basically, unless, I am told otherwise, am still on standby. But I am planning to work tomorrow and my mom is going home and just operate normally. It is a huge stressor and a bit of a let down after such an adrenaline rush. When I have spoken today, I think they are also frustrated that I don't know. I just don't know. In any case, you will know when I do.
-Jill

Hello Everybody. I hope that you are enjoying your Valentine's Day and National Donor Day. I have some news...I got a call from the Brigham at about 8pm this evening telling me that they have a very good pancreas that's about to become available. I am number 2, so they wanted me to be ready. The next step is to WAIT for another phone call, possibly around 5am. It all depends on how the pancreas looks. The anxiety is killing me, but I called Kevin and my dad. My mom is here for a sleep over and to help manage the stress. So more will come...

Dear Friends,
It is with a great amount of honor and pride that I introduce Mrs. Hillary Stern and Miss Avery Stern, the family of Brett, my kidney donor. I often think of them, and I know many of my blog readers do as well, so now I can share them with you! I have received many inquiries about Avery: you'll be glad to know that she is a beautiful (as you can see), happy 3 and a half year old, busy with swimming, dancing and school! Since Heather has come into my life, I have often thought of Avery and how she was doing, knowing that they are about the same age. Are they doing the same things?
As I discussed with my mom recently, we questioned if the timing was right to check in with the Stern family. Hillary actually contacted me for an update. December 1oth was my 1 year kidney transplant anniversary and I wondered whether or not it was appropriate to contact her around the holidays. Thankfully, she found me! I am grateful to have this connection since so much of my recovery was spent reflecting on the joys and blessings of my life, so far. I have much more living to do!

Gosh! Where has January gone? I have been really focusing on school since this is my last required class! I am not sure whether or not I will walk at Northeastern (Saturday, May 5th), but my attention is already set on my next challenge- the Doctorate in Law and Policy. I have been preparing my personal statement wondering is this too personal? Will my personal statement make me unique or make me look like a drama queen (that I am)? In any event it has helped me get back into the creative process of reflecting and writing.

Still really having insomnia problems...
until next time...