Transplant Time - # 5 10/26 - 3:00 pm

Jen is out of recovery and back up on our floor. Our hero is in a great deal of discomfort, but says that she absolutely made the right decision and, like the rest of us, is looking forward to watching Lyssa regain that quality of life that left last year.

We haven't told you much about Jen, and that's only because that's the way that she wants it. She is an intensely private, religious and loving person, who just doesn't understand why such a big fuss is being made about what she is doing for Alyssa. She felt that it was God's calling for her to undertake this incredible act of kindness; and that it's only natural to want to help a loved one.

We have always known that Jen was a very special person. She came into our nephews life several years ago and immediately showed through example, the value of church and family and gave him a sense of pride and accomplishment that had been missing in his life...You might say that she also brought Michael a better quality of life. As he always says, "I'd be lost without her in my life." Together they are raising their son Louis and their daughter Leona. She has always handled with grace and poise all the obstacles that life can throw at you.

We all want to say that we made a difference with our time spent here on earth. Jennifer, while still in 20's, and by just being herself, has already touched and improved more lives than most people ever will.

Thank you Jen for helping us take the most important of steps in helping Alyssa get her life back. May others use your incredible act of kindness as a guiding light for all of us to find a way to help others.

The Deffs will never be able to thank you adequately for what you have done for us. We can tell you how much we love you and that we will try to "pay forward" what you have done for us.