Rich Morgan’s story

Dear Governor Brewer:
So you say transplants don't work. Well let me set the record straight for you. Thirteen years ago, I was like many of the Arizona 98. I needed a kidney transplant to save my life, I was on dialysis three days a week 4 hours at a time, I WAS LIVING BUT NOT ALIVE. I could not enjoy the experience of my two daughters growing up. I was always too weak from the treatments to have an active part in their lives. Although my wife remained strong and vigilant for me, the worry about my health and what would become of her husband took a toll. This life issue went on for three years, until a family facing the most tragic event in their life ( the loss of a child), decided to help someone have a better life.

So on November 16 1999 at the Thomas Starzl Transplant Institute, I received the Gift of Life. In those 11 years I have returned to work, experienced both my daughters graduate from high school and college. Extend a relationship with my wife, celebrating 35 years of marriage this June, thank you very much. This September I walked my oldest daughter down the aisle at her wedding, experienced my youngest's growth as a young women in the business world, she is absolutely fearless. On a personal note, I have reduced my golf handicap to single digits, traveled to Alaska, Mexico, and enjoyed Sedona for a week, Governor, what was with the cold weather that week?

I have made new friends, a majority having the same experience of transplantation as myself. I have lost two transplant friends, however their transplant extended both their lives an additional 15 years. They passed at the age of 72 and 65 years respectively. Both died of causes unrelated to their transplants. So please, please don't take the position that transplants don't work. My story is just a very small part of the transplant story in every state in the USA. Don't let misinformation, which is exactly what you got, seal the fate of the 98 residents in your state, by denying them a life saving and life affirming transplant.

Rich Morgan
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania