Kim Burdakin's Page

What is your city / state and country of residence?

Muscatine, Iowa USA

How are you touched by transplantation?

I am a Recipient

If you are a recipient, what type of transplant did you receive?

Liver

Recipients: In this space, feel free to list those you are grateful to for receiving the Gift of LIfe:

I'm grateful for my donor (Steven), Steven's family, my husband, my daughters (Jenna & Brittany), sons (Mike & Tom), my sister for volunteering to donate a portion of her liver (but not having to go through the surgery), Mom & Dad, my family, friends, my co-workers, the doctors for the miracles they perform and God for giving me the faith to believe in miracles.

If you are a recipient, what type of donor did you receive your Gift of Life from?

Deceased Donor

What is your principal transplant med(s)?

Prograf

What is your hospital and, or doctor's name, city / state and country?

Univ. of Iowa Hospital & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa - Drs. Rayhill and Wu (They're awesome!)

What do you do for a living?

Mom, wife, organ donor awareness volunteer, OPTN/UNOS Region 8 Patient Affairs Committee

About Me: Please use this space to tell the community about yourself and your unique experience with transplantation:

In May 2000, I was admitted to the hospital for flu-like symptoms, told I had acute liver failure and my liver transplant was two weeks later. My sister was donating a portion of her liver to me when her proceedures were abruptly halted and she thought I had died. Instead a liver from a donor in Michigan was on its way to save my live.

At the time of the transplant, I was a single mother with two daughters. I am so grateful for the medical professionals and procedures. I send a special thank you out to ALL donors and donor families. I met my donor's parents at the 2006 U.S. Transplant Games and we were speakers during the Opening Ceremonies. My donor, Steven, was just 21 when he became an organ donor - he saved many lives - including mine!

Please help us reach other members by telling us how you found Transplant Cafe:

Chad Breen - (Thanks Chad!) This is a great website!

What is your relationship status?

Married

Entertainment: What is Your Favorite Type of Music, Bands, Movies, Art, Books, etc.?

I like all kinds of music. I like to shop. I read Jodi Picoult books. I enjoy shopping. I cheer for the Iowa Hawkeys....GO HAWKS! And, did I mention, I like to go shopping.

What is Your Favorite Quote(s)?

"Don't let YESTERDAY use up too much of TODAY." Will Rogers