08/15/2021
Baylor. My place. My Bubble. My comfort. Home to many of my medical heroes. Baylor is a sacred spot for me— the place where my life was saved through organ donation. Many dark moments inside those walls but many, many beautiful moments and lifetime connections created. Yesterday, I had a usual follow up appointment with my hematologist to check in on my blood disease (which caused my acute liver failure). I was reminded how I’m in a unique population. A population of immunocompromised people. A population who never asked or would have wanted to be in this category. A population who despite doing EVERYTHING in our power to stay safe from Covid during this pandemic and honestly, always— even pre-pandemic still has to worry about this awful virus even despite being fully vaccinated.
You see, being a solid organ transplant recipient means I take anti-rejection medication every 12 hours to prevent me from rejecting my transplanted organ and to literally keep me alive. In order for that to happen— my immune system has to be suppressed. Research through trials has shown that transplant recipients do NOT have near, in some cases not any protection after receiving both vaccine doses. I was told yesterday, it is time for my 3rd dose— booster of the Covid 19 vaccine in hopes I will gain more protection from this awful virus. So, today, I will plan my third dose to stay as protected as possible.
I understand there is only 2.7% of American Adults that are immunocompromised. If you are
not in that category—be so very thankful.
Between being in that category + seeing my father be placed on a ventilator and spend 251 days in the hospital due to this nasty virus- it hits hard for me.
Some of you won’t get the vaccine for varying reasons but what I am asking is to love your neighbor. If you won’t get vaccinated- do everything else in your power to keep my population safe. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Social distance. Be smart & if you are able to get vaccinated— please do so. I promise you… if you were in my situation or had a loved one who is— it changes everything. We don’t have the luxury to not do everything in our power to stay safe and healthy while also trying to still live a life like others that are able to do so more freely.
It all comes down to this:
Love God & Love His people. ❤️
