The “Sweetest” Treat You Can Give This Halloween is the Gift of Life
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For Michael Hotton, a routine bloodwork examination led to unexpected news; Michael’s diabetes had caused kidney failure, and he would need a transplant. The Bixby resident was listed in the beginning of a journey that would lead to not just one, but two life-saving transplants. “Being listed [for a transplant] was a very humbling life event,” he said. “During that time, you realize that if you reach transplant, the best day of your life will be the worst day of another family’s life, because in most cases, they would have lost a loved one.” While he waited and his health continued to decline, Michael held onto the hope that he would be able to live a normal life again. Diabetes had taken a serious toll on his wellbeing, and he was no longer able to manage the disease with medication and lifestyle changes alone. |
On a Sunday morning at six o’clock, Michael got the call. He received a life-saving kidney and pancreas transplant on Halloween, eighteen months after he was first listed.
“When the coordinator asked if I was ready to receive this gift, I asked if it was a real question,” he said. “It was certainly not a trick, and was the best ‘treat’ I would ever receive.”
Since recovering, Michael has embraced his second chance at life. He retired from his career in law enforcement to spend his time with his family and friends and volunteers with local organizations. Michael proudly shares his story with the community to honor his donor hero, raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and offer hope to those still waiting for the gift of life. Through his support, he hopes to bring peace and compassion to the families of those who have saved and enhanced lives through their selfless decision.
Michael is currently listed for another transplant, a liver. He says remaining active and sharing his story with others helps him remain optimistic for the chance to receive another life-saving gift.
To learn more about the impact you can make by registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, please visit LifeShareOklahoma.org.
About LifeShare Network
At LifeShare Network, Inc, we believe in saving lives and inspiring hope. As a leading non-profit organization, our team fosters a strong commitment to serving donor heroes and their families. We ensure lifesaving gifts reach those in greatest need by collaborating with 145 hospitals and transplant centers across the nation.
We are at the forefront of transplant research, innovation and education, made possible by our three subsidiaries: LifeShare Innovations, LifeShare of Oklahoma, and LifeShare Tissue Services, Inc, which all exist from community support of the LifeShare Foundation.
“When the coordinator asked if I was ready to receive this gift, I asked if it was a real question,” he said. “It was certainly not a trick, and was the best ‘treat’ I would ever receive.”
Since recovering, Michael has embraced his second chance at life. He retired from his career in law enforcement to spend his time with his family and friends and volunteers with local organizations. Michael proudly shares his story with the community to honor his donor hero, raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and offer hope to those still waiting for the gift of life. Through his support, he hopes to bring peace and compassion to the families of those who have saved and enhanced lives through their selfless decision.
Michael is currently listed for another transplant, a liver. He says remaining active and sharing his story with others helps him remain optimistic for the chance to receive another life-saving gift.
To learn more about the impact you can make by registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, please visit LifeShareOklahoma.org.
About LifeShare Network
At LifeShare Network, Inc, we believe in saving lives and inspiring hope. As a leading non-profit organization, our team fosters a strong commitment to serving donor heroes and their families. We ensure lifesaving gifts reach those in greatest need by collaborating with 145 hospitals and transplant centers across the nation.
We are at the forefront of transplant research, innovation and education, made possible by our three subsidiaries: LifeShare Innovations, LifeShare of Oklahoma, and LifeShare Tissue Services, Inc, which all exist from community support of the LifeShare Foundation.
