Pregnant with our first child, I learned that my unborn son would be born with a heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and would need a heart transplant immediately following his birth in order to survive. Not knowing what this meant, I struggled to make sense of all that was happening, but was determined to do the very best for my baby.
On the day Gabriel Gideon (Gideon means “mighty warrior”), decided to come into the world, he appeared big and strong and for the start of our new family, those first few moments were bliss. But 36 hours later, Gabriel was taken to Children’s Hospital Colorado and, within 24 hours of that, Gabriel was listed on the UNOS transplant list. I was told that the wait for a heart could be anywhere from three to six months, and prepared myself for the duration.
Gabriel received his new heart just 13 days after coming into the world. When his new heart started beating on its own, there were literal shouts of joy in the waiting room. Today, Gabriel is thriving and living life to its fullest as every 8-year-old knows how to do.
Since my son received his heart transplant, I have become a passionate advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation in Colorado. Gabriel was fortunate to receive his transplant, but more than 2,500 people are still waiting for lifesaving transplants in our state right now.
One way my community of Denver residents can help to raise awareness for this important cause is by joining the Donor Dash 5K in Denver’s Washington Park on July 19. This event, now in its 16th year, honors the lives of organ and tissue donors and their families, celebrates the lives of organ and tissue recipients and recognizes those who continue to wait for lifesaving transplants. More than 5,000 people participated in last year’s event.
Saying “yes” to organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives. Transplants offer patients a new chance at healthy and productive lives, returning them to their families, friends and communities. At the time of death, just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save or heal more than 50 lives through eye and tissue donation.
Colorado residents can register their decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors at the time of death by saying “yes” each time they obtain or renew a driver’s license or state ID, or at anytime. Anyone can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, regardless of age, race, medical history, religion or income. Even those with chronic conditions, such as hepatitis and diabetes, can register to give the gift of life at any age.
Participating in the Donor Dash is a wonderful way to honor those that gave the ultimate gift of life and to promote the cause of donation so that we can continue to shorten the transplant waiting list here in Colorado. Register online at .
Lisa Vallejos is a Denver resident and mother of heart transplant recipient.
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