Brandi

Brandi

Tissue Recipient

I was a senior in high school when I needed a tissue transplant in my right knee. I had torn my entire Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and part of my Meniscus while playing volleyball the previous year. At just 17 years old, from the moment I was told I needed a tissue transplant, I knew my life would change. This change, however, would only be for the better. The recovery process – starting from the moment I left the hospital after surgery – was a journey. The frustration of having to attend physical therapy sessions and the annoyance of constantly having to wear a brace was well worth it and much needed. Going into my freshman year of college now, I am happy that I am now able to walk, jog, exercise, and ride my bike without restrictions or experiencing pain in my knee. Personally, I feel that my knee that received the tissue transplant works a bit BETTER than my other knee! Thanks to my donor family, I can enjoy my usual activities again. I share my deepest sincerities with my donor family. Their donation from their loved one is a huge blessing to me. I wish I can thank them personally and give them a hug. I pray to God every night thanking Him for somehow guiding my donor family and I in the same path through the blessing of a tissue donation. I had never heard of such a thing as a tissue transplant before, and my family was so moved by the idea that it brought tears to my mother’s eyes. Words can’t describe how grateful we are for it. Receiving a tissue transplant has led me through a healing and eye-opening journey, but ultimately, perseverance and success in having a properly functioning knee once again.