by Amber Kizer
As of 2013, the average life span of those diagnosed with CF is thirty-five to forty years. This is a huge improvement, but that’s still less than midlife for most Americans. And like Vivian, those who have CF lose many friends and hospital mates. Educate yourself by checking out available resources at:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation—cff.org
Boomer Esiason Foundation—esiason.org
The Breathing Room: The Art of Living with Cystic Fibrosis—thebreathingroom.org
What you need to know about liver diseases
The liver is the only organ in the human body that has the power to regenerate, which is why living donor transplants can be so successful. A portion of the donor’s liver can be removed and it will grow back to its full function and size within both donor and recipient. There are genetic diseases that affect the liver, as well as viruses and cancer. The liver filters poisons outside the body, so alcohol, drugs, and toxins can also damage the liver, leading to failure. For more information, visit:
American Liver Foundation—liverfoundation.org
Columbia University Department of Surgery’s Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation—LiverMD.org
What you need to know about kidney diseases
The kidneys have an important and complicated job in the human body. They remove waste from the blood, balance fluids in the body, help regulate blood pressure, and produce red blood cells. Kidney disease can be acute (right now!) or chronic (over a period of time). The main causes of kidney disease are congenital (born with), inherited from family, or diabetes and high blood pressure. Most people can function well with one kidney, which is why it’s possible for living donors to give one kidney. African Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Americans have a higher risk and incidence of kidney disease. Learn more at:
The National Kidney Foundation—kidney.org
About the Author
AMBER KIZER loves stories that wrestle with complicated choices, authentic emotion, and the unseen mysteries that connect us all. She is the author of seven young adult novels, including the Meridian books, A Matter of Days, and Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes. A rescued black Lab who sings “Happy Birthday”; adopted cats like Sugar, who carries pens like prey to Amber if she isn’t working hard enough; and a flock of chickens who jump for bananas and enjoy chocolate cake keep things lively. Amber registered as a bone marrow donor and then as an organ donor as soon as she was allowed because saving lives doesn’t require superpowers or a cape.
For more about Amber, please visit her at AmberKizer.com and send your thoughts to her at [email protected].