I originally started this blog to share my adventures as I worked through the many challenges faced in life with hopes of creating inspiration in someone else and encourage them to live out their dreams without settling. While sometimes I think my posts steer away from my original purpose (I’ve mentioned before I have ADD right?… well I mean, I don’t know if I really do… but I definitely do) I try to continue to live through that purpose in my own life. However, today I, myself, was inspired and given a new perspective on the value of life.
Unsurprisingly, I’ve been inspired by my sister and a close friend of her’s, let’s call him… lung boy? yeah?… keep reading…
My sister, for one, is a pretty remarkable woman (despite what I say about her… no seriously though… pretty cool lady). Sister-lady works hard helping people through her work with nonprofits and volunteering. She has strength to handle situations my emotions can’t even bear to think about at times.
With that said, this morning I get an email from her, subject line reads: “I need your help.” Now, typically this means the body of the email will read something like this: “Hey sister-friend, you need to do me this really ridiculous favor since I’m the best sister ever…” Growing up, that’s just how it worked… when we were kids (yes I’m going to ramble a bit, but the story fits so follow along), like really little kids… like she was twice as tall as me (hm, I guess that hasn’t really ever changed)… she was throwing this stick in the river, playing fetch with our black lab when she threw it in the river so far that the pups wouldn’t go after it, so sister-lady made me go get it. Even though the mucky river water came up to my nose and only came up to her waist… I totally did it, because of course she was my sister and she (even then) was remarkable (despite her evil manipulations) and I wanted to be just like her.
Anyhow, back to where I was going with this email titled “I need your help.” It wasn’t even close to the typical “you need to do me this ridiculously, outrageous favor” request (that she knows I’ll do, just like with that stick… because she’s my sister and sometimes, even now, I want to be a lot like her). This email however was inspiring to be completely honest.
Let me tell you about it…
My sister has this friend, lung-boy who has been put on a list for a double lung transplant for the second time. This guy is incredible, truly remarkable. He is one of the most positive people I’ve met despite what he’s been through and what health problems he has run into throughout his life. This process will determine whether he is admitted through the Duke Medical program to get his transplant with costs ranging somewhere around $10,000. I’m not sure about you, but who honestly has $10,000 just lying around in their bank account for a rainy day… not I.
This morning sister-lady reached out to five of her friends, including me (yep… I referred to myself as her friend) to help raise money to cover the costs for her friend to get this life-changing transplant. Talk about inspiration. Count me in, whatever it takes, how could I say no to such an invitation and opportunity to help.
It’s amazing how quickly your perspective can change.
He inspires me with his strength, never-giving-up attitude, and his faith in life. I admire her for her dedication and loyalty to her friends and her selfless desire to help people.
Stay tuned for updates on his progress…
**Update: My sister set up a paypal account for anyone who is interested in donating for our friend’s double-lung transplant. Thank you all for your genorosity and help! If you’re interested in more information and keeping up with Chris’ status, you can learn more at: http://christophernalley.com or if you’d like to donate please click the button below:
Now tell me, what inspires you?
I woke up this morning so calm, with a strength I’ve never really felt before. I felt as though who ever “he” is knew me in a way no one else ever could, in a way that no one else ever will. He passed no judgement on the things I’ve done, the places I’ve been, and cherished all the good and bad that have shaped me into the person that I am today. I find an eerie comfort in that dream and today, I’m okay with all that I am and all that I’ve become. And I’m reminded… Everything will be okay.
