Thank God for organ donors

I know you have read my letters about how important organ donation is and how it can change a life. This was when my dad was on the list for a liver transplant and died while waiting for a transplant. Even though my dad died without that liver we prayed about, I didn't give up hope on the organ donor program. When I renew my driver's license, I still renew my commitment to be an organ donor and proudly have my "Donor" sticker on my driver's license. I discuss how important being a donor is to people who will listen, as well as my students who listen to another important part of the "curriculum of life."

My sister Sandee Tamayo, who some know as a nurse for a local home-health company, became ill due to her diabetes. Her kidneys suffered, and she was put on kidney dialysis about four years ago.

Sandee, who attended Lampasas High School, was a great softball pitcher for this area. At that time there was not a girls' softball league, so my dad started a girls' softball team, "The Hitchhikers." My dad wanted Sandee to get pitching experience, so with girls like Amelia Chaney, Jeannie Gilbert, Janice Garner, Patricia Milligan, Irma Gonzales and the list goes on, my dad made a softball team.

Sandee, at the age of 13, pitched for the Killeen Lady Merchants in the Women's State Fast-Pitch tournament in Corpus Christi and won third place. This young lady proudly told people she was from Lampasas, and she pitched her heart out.

Sandee went on to get married, have a family of three children and is now blessed with three granddaughters and one grandson to keep her fight and will to live. She lost her baby with a rare disease of Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome, as Melissa "Missy" was a bubble baby who passed away at the age of 18 months after Sandee and husband Tommy both donated bone marrow in an attempt to save her life.

Life has been hard for Sandee and Tommy, but they persevere when a setback comes along. Tommy works for a terrific company, Oil States. Oil States bosses and employees really deserve a big pat on the back. They have helped this family out tremendously, always will- ing to help when times are hard for Sandee and Tommy. One day I called Sandee while she was home alone, and she didn't answer her phone. I called Tommy at work and within minutes he was there checking on Sandee. The company and employees have taken this family under their wings and have always been there for support.

On March 5, Sandee got the call that she has been waiting for since her name was added to the transplant list one year ago. Scott & White Hospital called and said there was a kidney. Tommy and Sandee were off to Scott & White. Sandee walked into the waiting area, and there was a young teenage girl there also. Sandee's heart sank as she thought this young girl will get the kidney first as she is so young. At that time she was told there are two kidneys.

Sandee's transplant was successful. The doctors told the family that as soon as they took the clamps off the kidney it turned pink, which showed it was working. Sandee did experience a setback as she suffered a heart attack on Thursday night. We feel like it was due to the fluid that has built up around her heart. She got out of Scott & White Hospital on March 11.

To be accepted on the transplant list her heart has to be in good condition, so I know she will pull through this setback. If you would like to send Sandee a card or note of encouragement, please do so as she has a long road ahead of her. Her address is 31 Hillcrest Dr. in Lampasas.

The organ donation program is so important. My sister and this young teenage girl have another chance at life because someone else thought that organ donation was important. Whoever you are, thank you, and God bless you!

Edith Wagner Ware

Killeen