Today's Stories

Susan Hassett

My brother, Seth, was diagnosed with a genetic heart condition as a teenager. He managed for many years, but became ill in his 40’s and was placed on the transplant waiting list. His heart was quickly deteriorating and sadly, he died waiting.

Three months before Seth died, I, too was diagnosed with the same heart condition. My disease has progressed rapidly and I am in diastolic heart failure. The quality of my life has been significantly impacted by my illness.

I am no longer able to work; I cannot climb a flight of stairs nor walk my dogs without being short of breath.

For now, my disease has not progressed to the point of being placed on the transplant waiting list. For the sake of my husband, Fred, and my teenage son, Colin, I can only hope, that when I am placed on the transplant list an organ will be available.

I made a commitment to Seth after his death to honor his optimism and fight this disease. That is why I am committed to my work as a volunteer, to encourage everyone to become donors.

Donate Life Northwest urges people to designate themselves as a donor. Code your driver's license as donor, sign up on line at www.donatelifenw.org, or call 503.494.7888 or 1.800.452.1369 for a paper registry form. Please... share your decision with your family!

Past Stories

Justice Williams
John Malkow
Bernadette Artharee
Luther Lockett
Melissa Salvador
Robert and Jennifer Ayers
Sharol Lucey and Marlene Montgomery
Dalton and Paula Pfau
Joseph Adams
Lucas and Roma Ugarte
Ken Schroder
Hayley Resk