It is hard to fathom 10 years have gone by since I received a new heart. It is even harder to fathom what those 10 years have meant to me.

I wish I could say I live everyday like it is my last, cherish each breath, and find beauty in all things, but I am just as flawed as I was prior to receiving this gift. I am often reminded how easy it is to take things for granted, allowing hours or even days to forget about my journey. While there is solace in not dwelling on the past, there is just as much pain in not making sense of it.

The only sense I can make of anything has been brought through connections with people. Whether that is in a collective laugh or shared loss, I owe it all to my loved ones, family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and more. The only way I know how to celebrate this milestone is with you and for you. That said, celebrating means little without acknowledging the sacrifice made by my donor. With love, admiration, and appreciation, I ask you to join me in helping inspire Americans to become organ donors and help the next sick individual get another chance at life.

I'm raising money to benefit Donate Life America . Anything you are able to donate will help make an impact. Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 non-profit alliance of national partners and state teams committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation and developing a culture of trusted donation expectation.