Tuesday, April 27, 2010

OTS Tree Planting Ceremony April 25, 2010 - Meeting my donor's family

Sunday, December 27, 2009

My donor - my Hero. Tom

Gratitude... I received correspondence from my donor family on Thanksgiving weekend- after 18 months of corresponding (on my behalf) through Gift of Hope.

I called and spoke to my donor Tom's Dad, Mom and sister on Christmas Day.

I hope to meet them soon to celebrate my donor Tom's life~ and thank them for their incredible gift: my renewed life!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Lady Loveliver - Gift of Hope - Liver Life Walk 2009


As a former Gift of Hope intern; I am excited to have been asked to be captain of Team Gift of Hope for this year’s Liver Live Walk at Montrose Harbor on October 17th.

Once again, I've decided to join thousands of participants in the Liver Life Walk just as I did for the past two years. Most of you are aware that I had a lifesaving liver transplant on November 1, 2006. This Walk for Life is how my family and I celebrate my transplant anniversary! In the past you've known us as Lady Loveliver's Gang =) (John, Chris, Sam, Ryan, Nikki, and me)

This walk supports the life saving and life changing work of the American Liver Foundation (ALF). With more than 30 million people in the United States suffering from liver disease it's more important than ever to help the ALF further their commitment to liver research, education, and advocacy.

That's why I'm asking for your support! It's quick and easy to make a donation to this cause or to join our team. Simply click the link below to visit our web-page where you can make an on-line donation. If you want to do even more- consider joining Team Gift of Hope!

On behalf of Lady Loveliver (me =) and Team Gift of Hope,and the millions of people living with liver disease, thanks for helping me as I "walk for fun...walk for life"!

Love,

Colette (AKA Lady Loveliver)

grateful liver recipient
Nothing is worth more than this day...

Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2009/LiverLifeWalkSpring09?px=1025497&pg=personal&fr_id=1470&et=pMesFhHRSU-gcNOG81DjOA..&s_tafId=1569

Click here to view the team page for Team Gift of Hope
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2009/LiverLifeWalkSpring09?team_id=11050&pg=team&fr_id=1470&et=OU8vyM8sT4oDcC1V4c2b_w..&s_tafId=1569

Click here to view the company page for Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2009/LiverLifeWalkSpring09?company=Gift+of+Hope+Organ+and+Tissue+Donor+Network&pg=company&fr_id=1470&et=twDXez55hWQo6sLVKceO6A..&s_tafId=1569

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I hope to see you all soon!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009


The new Transplant Advisory Committee meeting in Zurich was phenomenal!












The main focus was on:

1) Understanding the transplant journey from diagnosis until today...

2) Building on ideas

3) Seeing the corporation as people; not mainly a pharmaceutical company
and communication & co-operation between parties

primarily, we focused on:

4) Improving patient outcomes...

The first question posed?

How do we measure improvements in daily life?

I'll blog more about the journey to Switzerland and being a part of the 13 member Transplant Advisory Board

Grateful for life and for transplantbuddies wonderful hostess Risa for the referral!

I shared my experience with Transplantbuddies with the group ~and gave the website info also!

Life is great!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Honored to be chosen to represent United States transplant living

Wow, Life is a curious journey...I spent most of mine in existence, but not truly understanding the "meaning" of my purpose in this journey. I have been blessed countless times. A wonderful husband of 26 years. Three amazing children...who have surpassed my imaginable expectations. Certainly, I have had a full life. Though, never truly understanding why I could not feel a positive "self concept". I never felt full of life; only living my life as expected. I should be happy. I have it all. Until you are at risk of losing it all.Three years ago that was me.

My journey was no different from others, I imagine. You wake up every day, get the children off to school, go to work, cook, clean,fall asleep wondering where your day went? where your life went? have meaningless arguments about the mundane tasks of everyday life... until now.

My second chance to do it right. Make each day count.

Two and a half years ago, I was given the gift that would change my life forever.

Today, I find opportunity around every corner. I try not to waste even one moment; nonetheless one day. I want to grab hold with both hands- and go for the ride.

Amongst many other phenomenal opportunities~ Last week I was chosen to represent transplant recipients from the United States to participate in an advisory board in Zurich, Switzerland... with 11 other solid organ recipients from around the world.

I'll keep you posted on my Magical Mysery Tour as it unfolds over the next days and months to come...

Grateful for life,

Colette

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Honoring the Gift - in the "land down under"


Hello Friends!!

My positive experiences with Team Illinois as an organ transplant recipient athlete at the 2008 U.S. Transplant Games last July was truly rewarding and stimulating, thanks to the never-ending support and encouragement of wonderful people like you. I continue to strive to give 100% to everything I do, to maintain strength in my faith, give service to others, conquer my fears, and experience pure joy in witnessing my teammates excel at sport and life! Today, I ask if you will help me reach my goal.

This August, I have the most amazing opportunity to represent TEAM USA by competing at the World Transplant Games on the Gold Coast of Australia. I will be in the company of nearly 3,000 athletes from more than 70 countries that will converge on the Gold Coast to compete in 12 Olympic style events that display the positive effects of transplantation and raise awareness of the critical shortage of organs for transplant- to the world. Last summer I was blessed to represent Team Illinois in the U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, PA., where I competed in the 1500 meter racewalk at Carnegie Mellon University. I am proud to have placed 4th in this event, missing Bronze by a mere 13 seconds- though breaking my own personal record by almost a full minute! Now I am training to compete in the 3000 meter Racewalk event in Australia and also getting a stamp on my passport! J As exciting as this may be, it pales in comparison to the awareness raised for organ and tissue donation, which is the purpose of the World Transplant Games. Media coverage world-wide will highlight the success of organ and tissue donation in hopes of giving many more patients a second chance at life. Currently, there over 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a lifesaving transplants- I was truly blessed to receive this lifesaving gift of life when I received a liver transplant just over two years ago. I am truly thankful to be alive and healthy enough to pay honor to my donor for this selfless gift, by competing in the World Transplant Games this summer.

You have been a source of strength by supporting my family and I throughout my transplant experience and recuperation, for which I am eternally grateful. I am asking for your continued support over the next 8 months during my training- to stay healthy and injury free. Also, given the state of the economy, there will be financial strain on many team members to attend. I’m hoping for support through generous sponsors to offset the costs of travel so I’m able to train and compete under less stress.

Check here for updates and photos. I’m so blessed to be granted the opportunity to represent our country in Australia this August. I am thrilled and honored to share my experiences with you!

Thank you for taking the time to support me! I am proud to have you as part of “Team LadyLoveliver” by giving me financial support today. If you are led to become a sponsor I will be very grateful, and will make you and Team USA proud by giving 110% in Australia, with the intent of bringing home the Gold!

Thankful every day & (race) walkin’ to honor the gift of life!

Colette


**Yes I would like to support your goal to send you to the World Transplant Games in Australia but I cannot attend the Bowling fundraising event. The total expense of airfare, lodging and Team USA Entry Fees are $2,500. Please use my gift of _____________________________ to help offset the cost of travel and participation for me, Colette Jordan, as I represent TEAM USA & the World Elite Team at the World Transplant Games in Australia, August 19 – August 30, 2009.
Please send your gift of monetary support to:

Colette Jordan
TEAM USA 4504 Dorset Ave. Lisle, IL. 60532