Symia and Lamyh Wilson, Liver Recipients

I’ve been a registered organ and tissue donor since I got my driver’s license. I never thought I would be in a position where my child would be in need of such a thing as a transplant, much less that two of my children would be affected in this way.

Only two months after the birth of my daughter, Symia, I received terrifying news that no parent wants to hear: my daughter would need a liver transplant. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, waiting for news of a transplant, but eventually we got the call and my baby received her lifesaving surgery.

Three years later, Lamyh was born and we learned that she too suffered from the same condition and would need a liver transplant. It was a tough time in our lives as I was still reeling from the loss of my husband, who passed away just months before, but with Lamyh’s diagnosis, I knew I had to pick myself and be strong for my family. After waiting nearly a month, our prayers were answered. We got the call and Lamyh received the liver she needed.

Since their transplants, I have enjoyed getting to see the amazing people they are becoming. Symia, now 10-years-old, loves to dance and is my little diva. Lamyh, now 2-years-old, is just like her father. I see so much of him in her mischievous smile.

Because of organ donors, both my girls are truly becoming who they were meant to be. And for anyone going through this, I would tell them to never give up and to have hope. It may seem like that call will never come but hang on and have faith.

–     Brooklyn Pinkney, Mother of Symia & Lamyh Wilson, Liver Recipients