~Suzannaâ€Zanâ€~Who Gave Me Life~ I was diagnosed with Diabetes at age7. Learned to give shots and everything else that comes along with being diabetic at that age. My diabetes was what a Dr. would call Brittle. Didn’t matter how well I was taking care of myself,(at times I obviously just didn’t on my own will), but overall, my diabetes was the kind that is VERY hard to control…no matter what you do. 27 years with Diabetes caught up with me. Caused blindness(Which was somewhat corrected), and many other things. In 1997 I became very ill……hallucinating and out of it due to the toxins in my body that wee poisoning me. I then learned I was in full kidney failure. I was put on dialysis three times a week for three hours per visit. Not a fun life to lead.I was put on a list for a kidney transplant. Being my diabetes was so bad, my parents knew even if my kidney was replaced, it would just be a matter of time before it failed again. With this in mind, they went and confronted a medical board asking if I could be used for the new experiment of pancreas transplants. Along with also getting a kidney. After many meetings it was passed that I would be used and I waited………During that wait, I had a couple very close calls with death. Once even causing me to Code Blue or “Flatlineâ€. Transplants can be tricky. You obviously have to be very sick to need one. Then you have to wait until it is your turn to receive your organs. If durning that wait you become too weak or more sick, the transplant can’t be done. I was very close to that time. I, many years later learned, I had been given about 2 more months and then probably wouldn’t have made it.On June 21,1999 I was in our apartment watching Tv when my phone rang. The transplant team from UCSF had got to know me VERY well from all my calls to them. I remember their words when I answered “Good Morning Lisa. How about some new organs today?†To me that meant a second chance at life. I was to get on the first plane out of San Diego and get to UCSF and begin…….About three hours before my phone call……Suzanna, a 29 year old tattoo artist in Santa Barbara who loved sky diving, had planned a dive with friends that day. As the plane took off there were some major problem and it crashed. There were four people in the plane. Two in which died right on impact Suzanna who was injured but alive and a guy who was hurt but not too bad. Suzanna had made it clear she would be a donor if anything ever happen to her. Her family and friend were well aware of this wish and they even quited her. “I’ve had fun living life. If someone else can from me…let themâ€. After being taken to the hospital Suzanna was determined Brain dead.I received her kidney and pancreas. Her liver, lungs and corneas were also transplanted. She saved THREE lives and gave sight to someone else. She is the reason I am here today. She let me have another chance at life, even though her life was ending. I am healthy and no longer diabetic at all. (The transplant worked and now is being done more frequently~150 done at UCSF last year. When I had it done, there had been around 6).I did get a chance to speak with Suzanna’s Dad a year after my transplant. I know a little about her. She LOVED Billy Idol. She had gone back stage once and got to kiss him. “That was her favorite story she loved to tell†her Dad told me. She liked to be out of the ordinary. The day she died she was wearing her hair purple. She loved doing tattoos and had tons of wings tattooed all over her. She liked to go by the name “Zanâ€If I had the chance, I’d love to meet Suzanna and thank her for what she has given me. I’m sure someday we will see eye to eye and I will thank her in person. The only way I know how to give back and thank her for what she did now is to live life to the fullest. Obviously, She did and I know she would want it that way. Thank You Suzanna!
Country Music is my favorite! Kind of odd, since about 8 years ago I wouldn't listen to a country song for anything. My all time number one Male singer of Country would have no be None other than TIM MCGRAW! Can't ever get enough of that man!!!!! I also really like, Keith Urban, Gary Allan, Kenny Chesney and Rasccal Flatts. I think Martina McBride has a beautiful voice, along with Faith Hill. (Even if she is married to Tim).Still love all those songs from the 80's. I like any kind of top 40 music, (Rob Thomas, and others...)Good Old Rock and Roll(Boston, Journey, 38 Special, Bob Segar and more...... ) I'm a sucker and will fall for just about any kind of love song. (awwww).I'm the type of person that likes a song for the meaning or the words of the song, rather than the musical talent (sound)of it. Except for when it comes to good dance music. MUST have a good sound or else~No Good!I think I have kept my life (good, bad and extra special memeories ) filed in my head through music. I can hear a song and be right back to where I was when I heard it first or listened to ikt a million times no matter how old it is. Songs have got me through heart breaks, comforted me when I was ill and has been a big marker for special people and events in my life. There were times in my life, the words from someone singing got me through a tough time. Music is a big part in my life and always will be.~Important Songs That Stand Out~ *My Wedding Song~"The Power of Love" *Father/Daughter Dance song from wedding~"My Girl" *Song that made me fight for my life~"Bring on the Rain", "In the Arms of an Angel" "You won't ever be lonely" and "Wjen it don't come easy" *Will always remind me of My Uncle/Godfather "Picture"I just love music in general! Country still rocks the most!
When I think of the word Hero people come to mind for different reasons. All the people I see as heroes have a similar trait about them. They are unselfish people. Each one of these people also haved me unconditionally.Growing up…..My Dad was my hero. In my eyes he could do anything and he certainly could do no wrong. LolAs I grew older, became a wife and a mother, My mom became my hero. I now look back and see she has been a hero all along.My husband is a hero of mine. Anybody who can hold on and believe so strong in the impossible with you should be a hero. Through sickness and in health he has been here all the same and has always seen me and treated me as me.Last would have to be My Uncle, who was also My Godfather. For the love he always showed me and gave me. For smiling till the end of the road.