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Driving in a car packed to the brim, John Eckhart, pediatric transplant social worker, delivers toys, goodies and necessity items to a family in need of a little Christmas spirit and a lot of hope. This is a usual task, almost a tradition, you might say. Every year John receives a call from the same family who asks if there is anyone they can "adopt" for the holidays. Years ago, a child in this particular family received the wonderful gift of organ transplant, and since that time, this family keeps on spreading the joy to other transplant recipient families in need during the holidays. "They provide things for all members of the family, even the adults", comments John, "and they choose to remain completely anonymous to the families to which they donate." Despite the anonymity, this generous and selfless act inspires all of us to think of what transplant is all about: the gift of life, sharing, and the ultimate act of compassion: the giving of oneself. - Carly Bhave, R.N., M.S., C.R.N.P.
