Tater is a multi-visceral (small intestine, liver and pancreas) transplant recipient. He received his lifesaving transplant back in April of 2010. Before transplant, his life seemed to be on hold. He couldn’t get around like most kids and didn’t eat like most of them either. He was always hooked up to something such as a feeding pump, wound vac or tpn/lipids (extra nutrition) central line. If he wasn’t hooked up to an IV pole then he had to carry a book bag. Could you imagine walking and/or crawling at one year old with a feeding pump and feeding bag on your back? Well, that was Tater. Could you imagine being thirsty and only being able to take a sip of water out of a 30 ml medicine cup? Well, that was Tater. Could you imagine spending most of your birthdays and holidays in the hospital? Well, that was Tater. People take so many things for granted. Well, Tater won’t take for granted the second chance of life he has been given. Per Tater, “I’m just blessed to be alive, I’m forever grateful for my Donor Angel and I will shoot to do my very best because that’s the least I can do for my donor.” He can now get around without any trouble, is no longer connected to any tubes, and eats/drinks probably more than most. Tater enjoys basketball, skating, riding his hoverboard and dancing. He wants to be a Graphic Designer. He enjoys volunteering and getting the word out about the organ, eye and tissue donation. With the help of LifeCenter he has been able to share his story so many times, help grieving families, and give those waiting for a transplant hope. Tater hopes that LifeCenter will continue to grow and shoot to do their very best too.
– Narqueisha Johnson, Mother of Tater
