The Bluebird Patch

Since the age of 34, Raleigh Callaway a 24-year veteran investigator for the city of Greensboro Police Department, has fought like a warrior against diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. His commitment to regular exercise, diet management requiring constant measuring of food contents, keeping regular doctor’s appointments and taking all medications as prescribed has allowed him to avoid what he feared most…until now.  At the age of 49, despite all that he’s done to break the cycle, genetics have reared their ugly head and taken over his body, nearly completely. His kidneys are functioning at only 10% which has made him anemic to the point of requiring weekly injections to stimulate red blood cell production. He will most likely begin dialysis within the next 30 days, depending on how soon his port can be placed and how long it takes the port site to heal for daily use. He has opted to dialyze through PD (Peritoneal Dialysis). PD differs from the most ...

As an organ donor it saddens me to know there are 100,000 people—including nearly 2,000 children— in need of a life saving organ transplant. Join Children's Healthcare of Atlanta throughout April as they celebrate National Donate Life Month . Recognize the generosity of those who have saved lives through organ, tissue, marrow and blood donation. Learn the Facts Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist. Learn these facts to help you better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:  Fact : Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history. Fact : All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others. Fact : If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered a...