LifeLink of Georgia
770-225-5465
www.lifelinkfound.org
In every word Maddie Pimentel pronounces, people can feel her passion and gratitude for a second opportunity in her life.
After having been diagnosed with a significant reduction in renal function, she knew that one day her kidneys would fail her completely.
“It was very sad to think that I was going to die before my daughter graduated from high school,” said Pimentel, in reference to one of her greatest fears during the 13 years following her diagnosis.
If her condition were to have continued to deteriorate, Pimentel’s only choice would be a life centered around dialysis machines. But on March 20 she was in Italy celebrating the eighth anniversary of the day she received a kidney transplant at Emory Hospital.
A life-saving act of generosity changed that, however. In 2007, Pimentel’s younger brother, Robb Osaba, donated one of his kidneys to her.
“We have always been together as a family and this was an opportunity to demonstrate we do what we do, we stand for each other,” he explained.
Thanks to her brother, Pimentel was able to not only witness her daughter graduate high school but also college and even nursing school. And for Osaba being able to help his eldest sister was an incredible opportunity.
“It’s one of the greatest legacies that you can leave,” he said. “It is like living forever.”
Pimentel, who is originally from Cuba, was fortunate enough to receive the organ she so desperately needed, but many others are not as lucky. In Georgia there are almost 5,000 people on the waiting list for an organ, according to statistics from LifeLink, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.
However, there has been a marked increase in the number of people who register to become organ donors, particularly the youth population who tend to sign up when they apply for their driver licenses, LifeLink spokesman Carlos Castro.
“We’ve seen how our message generates a much more positive reaction among younger people,” said Castro, who’s been with the organization for the past decade.
He said the campaigns with the Georgia Department of Driver Services have been successful — bringing in thousands of new registrants. Over four million people are registered as organ donors in Georgia, but just as these numbers increase, so too does the list of people who need a transplant in order to stay alive, said Castro. From 2012 to 2014, the waiting list for an organ transplant in Georgia increased by 14 percent, he said.
Castro has heard stories like Pimentel’s many times and seen numerous people who, thanks to an organ donation, have been able to realize their dreams and live to see their children and grandchildren grow up.
“The message we give is, where one life is lost another can be reborn,” said Castro.
Pimentel, for her part, enjoys her job and spending time with her family, and she hopes to keep up her favorite pastime of travelling. She lives each day with vigor and a newfound sense of appreciation.
“Every day is a gift from God, and every day I try to think and do positive things and help others. Tomorrow is promised to no one, today is the day to enjoy your life and do the most you can and the best you can in a spirit of gratitude to God,” said Pimentel.
About the Author
