Timothy

And I was, I think, in my-yeah 30’s you know, when the decision- when I made the decision to donate, you know, but I hadn't really researched it until the transplant team got in touch with me and the social workers sent videos, sent lots of information, you know, just because I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into long term…I think there was a, you know, a video, VHS at the time, that long ago, you know, of what the surgery entails, what the possible health consequences could be for me, as well as some of the psychological. You know, They were concerned about my mental health and everything else as well. And so, you know, some of it looked like a marketing pamphlet, but it was all really good information…So the transplant team, the social workers, everything, they were incredible, and-and I felt I was able to make an informed decision once that information was put in front of me.

Yeah, my sister met me…I was kind of relying mostly on friends you know. My then boss's wife is another mother…My coworkers were fantastic, you know, and my friends and everyone else because I moved to [state] not knowing anyone when I decided to come out. And so, yeah, no, no, the support you know, is a huge part. And you know, if you're considering being a donor, that's the one thing is just make sure A, you've got people in your corner, you've got not just the medical support but the social, the mental, and everything else. You know, I, you know, great medical support…and my family even though I didn't have any locally but my-my coworkers, my friends, and everyone else really looked out, got me to medical appointments, brought me food, checked on me, what have you. So, yeah, it's an incredibly important part of the whole process is-is that support system…I think, yeah, medical and stuff is one part, but, you know, we need it, but having that social support is I think the most important part.