Jim's Hearts

Jim and Marah made the remarkable decision many, many months ago to allow their story to be used as inspiration to improve organ donation registration. To put themselves out there – in the complete and honest way that they do – is beyond brave. We’d hazard a guess that most people wouldn’t consider being this generous when faced with life-threatening issues.

Which is why it is hard to take some of the ignorant commentary that we receive. Why would someone take the time to spread negativity in the face of such inspiration? Do you think these people kick puppies too?

Jim and Marah are walking a tightrope of emotion – ill-informed remarks (mean-spirited or otherwise) are devastating. They are simply not equipped to deal with this kind of behaviour, and nor should they have to be.

Please know that most of the feedback we receive is lovely and supportive, and very much appreciated. But sometimes it only takes one little comment to bring you down.

Jim, Marah – thank you for your generosity; for allowing the world into your unbelievably difficult story. The strength, faith and love that you demonstrate is unparalleled. You are making a difference and it matters. Very much.

#webelieve #jimshearts

Be a donor.

February 14 brings to mind chocolate, cheesy cards and flowers. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. In many countries it’s also National Donor Day. What a fantastic concept – bringing together two days to show you care!

On February 14 sign up to be an organ donor.

Show that you don’t believe anyone should have to wait for a life-saving organ transplant; show that you believe in giving the gift of life; show your support for Jim and the too many others waiting; show that you want to spread hope; and show that you care.

Will you?

Share this message as far as you can – celebrate Valentine’s Day by signing up to be an organ donor. We can’t imagine a lovelier gift.

#jimshearts #beadonor

The wait for an organ donation in Ontario and in Canada is too long. The fact that it doesn’t have to be like this quite frankly makes us crazy.

While people like Jim are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, their own quality of life deteriorates dramatically. Stress, worry and fear take a tremendous toll on family and friends waiting right along side.

Imagine living with a life-threatening situation for over 2 years…..knowing that it is because others seem to be apathetic toward organ donation registration. How does this make you feel? Crazy, right?

It’s well past time to shake this up. Sign up today to be an organ donor. Tell everyone you know about this travesty. Do it today.

#jimshearts

On January 10, 2013 Jim and Marah were told that the only option to save Jim’s life was a heart transplant. Two years ago.

The fact that Jim is still here with us, waiting, is a miracle in itself. The fact that he is still waiting, is flat-out wrong.

Everyone understands that two years of waiting like this is torturous and we hear from many people asking how they can help. What’s the answer? Sign up to be a donor. Talk about it – change this reality.

Let this bittersweet anniversary be the impetus for real change, for the 75% of Canadians who haven’t gotten the message.

Let the real celebration be a new heart for Jim – soon. #jimshearts

We recently had a small awakening with regard to being on the waitlist for an organ donation for an extended period. Jim, of course, has been waiting for a heart for 2 years now and this looming “anniversary” got us thinking about what that means to people like Jim and Marah.

Jim and Marah are among the wonderful people who you would classify as “givers”. They are the first ones to volunteer a ride, a meal, a helping hand. Their hospitality is unsurpassed…..except that they haven’t been able to provide this for more than 2 years. What does it do to a person to suddenly (and for a long duration) be on the receiving end of the helping hand, the meal, the support?

Don’t get us wrong, Jim and Marah couldn’t be more gracious and certainly have many more pressing challenges due to their long stay on the waitlist. It did occur to us though that this situation has many more trials that chip away at your quality of life, general happiness and energy. We didn’t think of this before, but now that we have it adds to the sense of urgency to eliminate the waitlist.

Bottom line? You need to be a donor. Register today.

#jimshearts