Mindy

My name is Mindy, I’m 45 years old, mother of two. I am beyond grateful for the gift I was given. I am recovering from a knee reconstruction. I have a rare genetic deformity. You can’t tell by looking at me, but my leg bones didn’t develop right, and my knees dislocate out to the sides. This causes me to fall for no reason. It’s very painful, and it takes me out of commission for a while each time. I’ve never been able to run, play sports, or even walk down a hill by myself. I missed out on a lot of interactions with my kids when they were little because my legs simply don’t work right. I had both knees operated on when I was a kid, unsuccessfully. They kept telling me I needed more surgeries, but no one knew what to do.

I started really having problems early this year and decided to give the orthopedic surgeons another shot after reading about a new type of operation. This involved receiving donor tissue. I was the most excited person to ever go under the knife! I’ve been wanting my knees fixed my entire life, and I finally have a chance at being able to do things that people take for granted every day. This wouldn’t be possible without the donation from a tissue donor. I could never thank them enough for this gift. My new leg has already proven itself; it stopped me from falling the other day. I’ve never known what that feels like. I couldn’t believe it! My knee tightened up, I didn’t fall, and it didn’t hurt. This seems dumb as I’m writing it, but for me it’s so huge.

Three years ago, we lost my nephew tragically and decided to donate, never imagining I’d be on the receiving end. I have the emotions from both sides of the process. My sister received letters from some of the recipients. It helps us knowing that something good was able to come from this tragedy. I am truly grateful for this life-changing gift.