This image represents the gift my mother was given when she donated a kidney to her father. One of my Zaidie’s kidneys had failed so the only way my Zadie would have survived was if he received a kidney donor from a family member. My uncle was originally going to give his kidney, but he was not able to. Since my uncle was not able to give my Zaidie a kidney, my mom stepped in and she was the donor. It was harder for my mom because she lives in the US and raises two kids whereas my uncle still lives in Canada close to my Zaidie. My mom had to make the decision to leave her family in the US and go to a different country for the surgery. She traveled to Canada where she proceeded to save her dad's life. The recovery was tough on both of them. It was especially hard on my mom since she had to fly home to the US and be a mother to two toddlers. She gave her kidney to her dad and now they are both alive and healthy. Both my mom and my Zaidie have 1 kidney now. After you donate a kidney or any organ, the hospital gives you a “Gift of Life” medal to thank you for being a living donor and saving someone's life. This medal shows the significance of what you did. 

– RG

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant