“I thought, if I could do something to help this person extend his life, then why not do it,” she said. “She’s really no different than anyone else who comes in here and treats their dogs like members of their family,” he said. She says the experience of sacrificing a kidney “really, truly highlights the importance of donor organizations.”Before her illness, Ms. Smartelli was working as a travel nurse throughout the country, taking eight-week assignments in such cities as San Antonio, Dallas, Albuquerque, Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Denver. Though there is no cure for her condition and no sacrifice that will put time back on her earthly clock, Ms. Smartelli said she still hopes to help save the lives of human beings and dogs by raising awareness, and money. She has already been donating a portion of her book’s proceeds to Donate Life America, a nonprofit organization working to increase the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue.

Source: New York Times January 31, 2019 15:45 UTC