All Andrea Warren, Classic LifeCare’s Executive Leader, lives a life of gratitude. Five years ago, she received the most precious gift in life – a liver transplant.
“Celebrating the five-year anniversary of my transplant today is really my donor’s day,” says Andrea. “Each year on this day my husband Jeremy and I like to do a walk or a hike in the woods. This is so we can be thankful in quiet meditation for that life-changing gift of a liver.”
Life After the Liver Transplant:
Andrea’s past year was filled with fulfilling and challenging times personally and at work, adventure and happiness with Jeremy, family and friends, including a getaway to Maui, and mostly healthy, energetic days.
“Prior to this transplant I was really, really sick – chronically sick – and I was starting to lose my lust for life,” says Andrea. “This transplant was truly life-changing for me. I am not sitting around sick, I ski, I hike, I work full time, I have energy, and I feel good. Now, I wake up most mornings and feel good and grateful.”
Living a Life of Gratitude:
She says she wants to live a life of gratitude and honour her donor. While organ donation in Canada is anonymous, she wishes the family of that donor could know that she is healthy, happy and grateful.
“Someone had to lose their life for me to live and I am always aware of that. I live my life to the fullest with that in mind. It’s an incredible gift and I don’t take it for granted.”
Natasa Mihajlovic, Classic’s Senior Administrator, has worked with Andrea for 10 years. She says Andrea’s warm and caring nature is her most notable quality.
“Andrea puts others before herself, and always takes the time to ask us how we are. All our staff members missed Andrea when she was ill. She is really something special.”
You can change a life like Andrea’s by visiting www.transplant.bc.ca and signing up to be a donor.
