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Caroline Millet, who |
Upon learning I needed a liver transplant, I was fairly calm, but that feeling did not last long. I walked, stumbled, ran, and flew through transplant mania. A very important piece of my transplant puzzle was the mentoring program
I had asked for a transplant mentor through the Hopkins Mentor Program. It is comprised of trained volunteers who are at least one year post-transplant. When someone asks for a mentor through his or her organ’s social worker (or a professional staff member suggests that a mentor might be appropriate), he or she matches the patient with a mentor of similar or compatible background.
My mentor is a rare, compassionate individual. He listens, tells me jokes, laughs with me, lets me cry, guides my questions, relates his experiences and has helped me stay focused on the important stuff.
Having a mentor provided an outlet for anger, frustration, and uncertainty. He listened and was empathetic. On good days, I often raced to e-mail my joys and accomplishments to him. We got together for coffee, informal gatherings, and lunches. He never made me feel my questions were silly or unworthy of asking.
After transplant, when my frustration with limited capabilities was high, he helped me learn that I do not have to finish everything in one day. He kept reminding me, “Even God took 7 days.”
I learned through this experience that I do not have to be afraid to say I need help and that I can let others help me without feeling awkward. This had been difficult for me.
Throughout my pre-transplant days he helped me remain optimistic, “Be patient, your phone call will come,” he reminded me. Following transplant, as I spent extra time in the hospital, he rallied the troops: there were cards, e-mails and visits that boosted my spirits.
The knowledge that he had been through much of what I was experiencing helped my fear, lowered my frustrations, and let me know there eventually would be an end to those feelings. The personal experiences we discussed helped me find humor and laughter in some situations I would like to forget.
Post-transplant, I have still more issues to face, but because of my mentor, I have a better understanding of what lies ahead of me as well as what I have already experienced in this complex, life-saving journey.
My mentor has provided the knowledge that has led to understanding, and it is understanding that combats fear.
If you are a pre-transplant candidate and would like to request a mentor or if you just want to know more about the program, or to become a mentor, please contact your organ’s social worker: Linda Darrell (liver), 410-955-6024; Mary Kaiser (kidney/pancreas), 410-614-2819; Terry Zeigler (lung),410-955-8528; and Helen Michalisko (heart), 410-955-1771.
