Just a few short years ago, I was dying. I was born with a rare disease and did not have the ability to digest food properly. I relied on daily twelve-hour intravenous infusions to get my nutrition called total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Although this treatment gave me the valuable nutrition I needed it had a devastating side effect and destroyed my liver. My physicians informed me that I needed a multi-visceral transplant. The odds were stacked against me as I waited desperately to receive a new pancreas, stomach, liver, small intestine, and colon.
2015 was one of the most challenging years of my life, both physically and mentally. While undergoing a 12-hour surgery and spending six months recovering from my five organ transplant was very physically challenging, it wasn’t the most difficult aspect of the experience. The most difficult part was hugging my three small children and telling them goodbye for what might be the last time because I had to move across the country to get my organ transplant.
I learned many valuable lessons, and gained powerful new perspectives during my transplant journey. I was blessed with a second chance at life and want to use this opportunity to “pay it forward” by sharing with others the knowledge I gained and strategies I used to overcome obstacles, stay mentally positive, and achieve this impossible goal.
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She helped me break down these tasks into tiny, manageable steps — By starting small, I was finally able to create a resume I was proud of. She also helped me to overcome the anxiety I felt about networking with potential job contacts. As a coach Melinda was very empowering and taught me that it is about progress and not perfection, a motto I will carry with me long after our sessions.