Every morning I wake up knowing that I carry the DNA of three people. My uncommon genetic composition bears with it a tremendous responsibility. Each day I must live in honor of those who have given life to me.
As a teenager in 1993 I should have been consumed with boys, proms and pop culture. Instead I had to wrap my mind around the fact that my remaining lifespan was projected at maybe more than five years. My liver transplant that year literally changed my life. Though the journey has been far from easy, I know I am one of the lucky ones.
As a transplant recipient living for my donors* I have made the commitment to never use my experiences as a crutch. I believe that organ donors and their families desire for recipients to obtain a new lease on life through the precious gift they give. To create the lives of our dreams. To purposefully pursue our goals and aspirations, no matter what they are. In short, I believe that living a life unfulfilled would be doing a disservice to my donors.
Founding RockScar Love was a significant step in achieving my purpose. RockScar Love exists to teach transplant patients that their scars represent something amazing and beautiful. That their experiences are something to be proud of. That living less-than-amazing lives is unacceptable. For some, achieving that point of view takes time. It is a process that I believe is furthered by humor and a spunky attitude. As patients we can acknowledge that the journey has its challenges; but these just mean we have to dig deeper to overcome and become champions. A champion is someone who could look into her donor’s eyes and know that he would be proud of her. I make this thought my daily motivation.
With love for my transplant family, their donors and loved ones –
Amy N. Tippins
Founder and President, RockScar Love Designs
*February 20, 1993-Liver
February 3, 2010-Ligament Allograft
Awesome thoughts, thank you for sharing, I will send this link onto my 21 y/o daughter who had her liver tx in 2002
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