A few months ago, I was given the opportunity to start volunteering in the transplant unit at my local Children's Hospital. I knew I would meet some amazing kids and families, but what I didn't realize was that my perspective on life was about to change completely. The more I volunteered the more I became interested in the different situations and obstacles the kids were facing, and I couldn't help but want to know more. After a few months of volunteering, I was able to be a camp counselor alongside the people I had been working within this unit and I couldn't have been more thrilled to have the chance to do so. A few days with these kids taught me more than I could've imagined, so I asked for their help when writing this article. If it weren't for their donors I wouldn't have been able to meet some of the strongest people I've ever encountered, that I was blessed to spend a few days of the summer with. Although it was only the girls in my cabin who helped write this, I feel like they're good voices for everyone at the camp and everyone who has experienced this.
1. They are strong, independent and extremely knowledgeable.
2. There are more transplant patients, especially kids than you think.
Every 10 minutes someone is added to the national transplant waiting list. 30,000 patients underwent transplants in 2015 alone.
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3. They fight to stay alive and love every day they have.
These kids face obstacles, but it doesn't stop them from dreaming big. The girls in my cabin wanted to grow up to become doctors, researchers, nurses and so many more things, they weren't limiting themselves but they are striving to be the best version of themselves so they can continue to change lives throughout their own lives.
4. Being around them exposes you to one big family. No one goes through this alone.
I've never felt such a connection while being in the middle of such a big group of people. Every activity we did reached a deeper level than just surface things and thoughts. Open mic night brought a group of about 100 people to tears and ended with the whole camp dancing as one in support of one another.
5. It opens eyes to miracles. They are walking miracles.
6. They do have more health needs but it just makes them want to learn more about what's going on in their body.
Campers half my age knew more about medical procedures, special diets and general health than I could have ever imagined because this is what they've grown up knowing.
7. Their scars don't define them.
They may have scars, but that doesn't hold them back from anything. Their scars show us how strong they are and should be looked at as something positive, the fact that they're facing every day with courage and determination. Their scars are a sign of strength.
8. They're just like everyone else... but they are the strongest version of themselves.
9. Everything happens and happened for a reason.
They have more faith in knowing that things happen for a reason than anyone else I've ever met.
10. They teach you more than you could ever imagine.
Being that I've never had a transplant, I had a lot of questions for the kids. I was a little embarrassed to not be as knowledgeable on the subject as I could have and should have been. They are real life superheroes going against the odds.
11. They wish more people would want to be a part of this and donate life.
One organ donor can save eight lives.
12. Always keep their head up and put negativity behind them.
During a friendship circle in our cabin the topic of bullying came up. I couldn't believe the things these 10-year-old girls were telling me about that had happened to them when facing bullies. Bullies get to anyone no matter how strong a person is and it needs to be put to an end. The more people know about this, the more we can strive to fix it. Although this wasn't a happy topic, we talked about it and in a matter of minutes we were moving on with our day because it was time to focus on the happy things, as said by a girl in our cabin. And I couldn't have agreed more.
13. They are some of the bravest, most inspirational people I've ever met.
After spending a few days with them, I can honestly say I've never met anyone more strong than these kids. They were courageous and full of wise words and inspiration no matter what the circumstance.
In the words of one of our little campers, "be an organ donor and save a life every day." These kids are going to do amazing things. Take the time to research how you can help, donate a life or donate to a great organization. Change for Chihopi, founded by two teenagers that also attended the camp, are striving to make a difference in the medical world and to help as many people as possible. Who knows what kind of life you could save, future doctors, teachers, police; no matter what, I can promise you, they will change lives for the better.
Sign up to be a donor.
