Note from Greg Sawyer to the Community: Thank you!
Posted May 6, 2011 at 2:09 pm by Ian Byington
Greg Sawyer
When I found out that Greg Sawyer was going to finally have a kidney transplant a couple of weeks ago, it seemed like the completion of a cycle that began a long time ago, and now has come to a place of incredible promise. He wanted to take a moment before his surgery Monday (the 9th) to tell you what he’s thinking & feeling…here’s Greg:
I have lived in a variety of places and they all have unique qualities but Friday Harbor is filled with more generous and caring people than any other place.
I was diagnosed with a kidney condition ten years ago and was informed that I would need a kidney transplant two years ago. Since that time, people in this community have been incredibly supportive with best wishes, prayers, good vibes, and financial donations.
There are so many people to thank it is difficult to name them all. But I would be remiss if I did not recognize a few of them.
First of all I would like to thank Gordy Waite and his family. Gordy has been a great help, as we share a similar condition. Gordy’s daughter Hannah, with the help of two fellow students, organized a fundraiser and promoted the idea of organ donation. The amount of money raised was staggering – $19,700.00 – and I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of the people here. Once again I cannot thank you enough.
The wait for a viable donor took some time, but now I am lucky enough to have a good friend that is a match. The transplant will take place on May 9th at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. Two other people volunteered to be donors and they deserve special thanks. The first volunteer was Mark Vermeire, and then Susan Mazzarella was tested next. Testing is a rigorous process and time consuming. Both came close but in the final analysis it was not a safe idea for either of them to donate. I am very grateful to them and their families.
The third person to step up was Jenny Nesbitt. She turned out to be the best and safest match. There are no words that can convey my gratitude to Jenny. She is a generous and genuine person. Jenny is definitely the hero in this story. The money that was donated will help in covering Jenny’s expenses incurred such as places to stay in Seattle and lost wages. Once again the generosity of the community is a tremendous help.
There are so many people to thank – from the person in the grocery store wishing me luck, to the students and staff of Friday Harbor High School, to the parents of my students – all of these people have been tremendously supportive. Friday Harbor is a community with its share of political controversy and its share of tragedy but the heart and soul of this community is one of generosity and compassion. I am eternally grateful to all for your positive thoughts and support.
Sincerely,
Greg Sawyer
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Categories: Schools
15 comments:
15 comments...
Love you Greg, you have had such a positive influence on the students you teach and 2 are/were mine!!!! Thinking about you and sending you good vibes!!! xxxooo
We will be thinking of you Greg. Best of luck to you and we are looking forward to seeing you walking around town again.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and hoping to see you walking around Friday Harbor with you generous smile and connecting with the young ones in Friday Harbor soon! Best of luck and sending positive thoughts –
Cynthia, Christophe, Claire and Hanna
P.S. You were definitely one of Hanna’s favorite teachers!!!
We are thinking of you.
From the minute I met Nesbitt, I knew she was a “keeper”
I LOVE this!!! Prayers and Love to both of YOU!!! This is AMAZING…You are both BEAUTIFUL people!!!
You are one of my favorite memories from High School and I hope that I can show you my gratitude someday! 🙂 I will be thinking of you tomorrow! I wish you a fast and comfortable recovery! I hope I get to see you soon!!!
Best of luck and lots of Love!
Greg,
We love and care for you very much, you help make our island a special place. Our prayers go out to you and Jenny. See you soon. 🙂 Rex & Lisa Guard, Brandon and Blake TOO!!
Greg,
Wee are so excited for you. Our loudest cheers for Jenny aand our sincerest prayers for you. WOW! Go Greg go! Lots of love to you both…
Bill and Maude
Greg ~ I heard of your wonderful gift of a new kidney when I was celebrating with my great-niece, Sophia, her first heart birthday ~ I was filled with happiness & gratitude for you! I do not know this special Jenny, but she must be an amazing, giving person and I have been praying for both of you!
God Bless & look forward to giving you another hug when I see you next!
Debbie Sandwith
Thinking of you today.
Greg, we will be sending our most positive of thoughts as you have this long awaited surgery. All the very best to you! love from Debbie, Barry, Brett, and Lilly Bartmasser
Today is the day. May both surgeries go perfectly, and may the road to recovery be smooth. Our prayers are with you and I look forward to seeing you walking the street, riding the ferry, headed for school once again.
~Nan Simpson
Calling All Angels!!
Greg you are a gift to this community. You are an exemplary teacher, one who truly wants all students to succeed . You go to effort to hold the bar high while giving constant encouragement and guidance. I hope you can give yourself that same level of encouragement and love through the surgery and recovery!
You are not alone,
Love, Liza Finn and Maria Michaelson
Greg, We are absolutely delighted to hear this wonderful news!
Cousin Gregory!!…thrilled to hear the wait is over and that you’re doing well in recovery mode. We’re all pulling for you back here in Michigan (& elsewhere)! Hope to connect soon…just get better and the rest will fall in place.
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