Message from Jo:

Offering to be a donor to Terry 10 years ago, was an easy decision that was made with very little hesitation. My only "second of doubt" was the thought that I may not be able to conceive after the transplant, but even that took a back seat in light of saving a life. My mind was positive, Mentally and emotionally, I was in a good place and I had no doubts whatsoever of the sacrifice I was offering my brother.

Lying in the pre-theatre room next to Terry, not quite knowing what we should be saying to each other was probably a moment I will never forget - a deafening silence. Should we not have been saying "Good Luck!", "See you in a few hours", holding hands for a minute. Something?

I remember being wheeled into theatre in tears, while Terry and the nurses were laughing next door. (This story is already mentioned in the blog) My last memory of the theatre was the anaesthetists doing their best to insert my epidural, and before I knew it I was waking up with a chest tube inserted into my lung under my left arm and the smell of flowers around my bed! My first question, "Was my brother alright - did it work?"

My recovery was painful but quick and after a while you forget just how sore it was. I do however, have an enormous scar wrapping around the side of the body, which reminds me every day of what Terry and I shared.

Its been 9 years since the transplant and I've given birth to two beautiful daughters, Amber (8) and Tanna (5) and have continued to live a normal healthy life with no complications at all.

To Leanne, I say, keep your mind positive and your body healthy. Hospitals, doctors, medicines, needles & PAIN aside, the euphoria you will feel when you see Terry looking well is something I could never explain. To know that you have saved the life of another, is to rewarding to put into words.