Karen Roberts

I first became ill during my sophomore year at NYU as a pre-med student. It was ironic that during my course of studying to become a doctor, I instead became the patient. Junior year, I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis, and a few months later, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, an autoimmune disease affecting the bile ducts in the liver. Similar to Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, these diseases can only be controlled or their progression slowed down--there really is no cure.

I was only 22 when I was put on the list for a new liver. Now, 4 years later, I am trying to make the most of each day. I pray that when my disease has progressed to the point that I cannot survive without a new liver, my wait will not be very long. I decided to volunteer for NJ Sharing Network in 2005 because I am still healthy enough to live a relatively normal life. The sad reality is, most people waiting on the transplant lists struggle with their rapidly declining health, and many die waiting each day. I hope that I am able to speak out for them, as I speak for myself.

Since volunteering, I have been inspired by people I have met who are organ recipients. Their love for life and people has been encouraging during my fight against my own illness. Sharing your organs may have an affect on the world far greater than you could ever imagine. It not only affects the life of the person who you save, it affects the life of every individual that person comes in contact with for the rest of their life. I can only hope that one day I will be lucky enough to have a second chance at life through the gift of organ donation.