Two years ago, I wasn’t sure what the future would hold. Sitting upright felt like running a marathon. I relied on a wheelchair to get around, and even the simplest tasks left me exhausted. Yet amid that uncertainty, one thing remained: hope. Hope is made possible by the life-changing gift of organ donation. 

Recently, I completed my very first 5K walk. 

That moment wasn’t just about miles. It was about the meaning behind each step. Every stride I took was a powerful symbol of resilience, gratitude, and transformation. 

My transplant journey has been anything but easy. It’s been filled with moments of fear, physical setbacks, and emotional weight. There were days I wasn’t sure how I’d keep going. But I chose to rise anyway. With the unwavering support of my medical team, my family, and the transplant community, I kept moving forward—one step at a time. 

Walking that 5K wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a tribute. A tribute to my donor, whose selfless gift gave me a second chance at life. A tribute to those still waiting for their miracle. And a message to the world that life after transplant is not just possible—it’s powerful. 

To anyone facing a health battle of their own: don’t give up. Don’t count yourself out. Your body is capable of incredible things. Your spirit, even more so. With faith, determination, and a circle of support, healing can happen. I am walking and living proof of it. 

My journey is far from over, but that day, I walked with strength, with purpose, and with deep, unshakable gratitude. 

By: LaVise McCray