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By Michael Garrett

Most of us in the transplant recipient ranks are a pretty thankful bunch. We?ve been given another shot at life and are interested in showing our thankfulness, by speech, thought, and deed. But how far can we go without putting ourselves in physical danger.

We all have physical weaknesses that came from or with our transplants. Some of us get tired easily, some are vulnerable to infection, most of us are 'thin skinned' from prednisone use, and we have a host of other problems. So where do we draw the line at what we can and will do for others? The answer may be farther ahead than you might have thought.

I?m a 51-year-old, two-time kidney and pancreas recipient. Yes, that?s two kidneys and two pancrei, spread over three surgeries dating back 16 years. I?ve been able to do many things over the years since transplantation. Skiing, surfing, auto racing, martial arts, Transplant Games (twice), and a fair amount of 'spreading God?s word.'

So when Hurricane Katrina hit last August 29, I wondered if I could help the victims and still take care of myself. We all heard the reports of all the disease, pollution and other serious health concerns. So what?s an immune-compromised volunteer to do? I decided to take the plunge.

I contacted The Red Cross in Silver Spring and attended an information meeting. I ended up signing the induction paper work and asking to be sent 'south' in the 'second wave,' hopefully some two to three weeks after the first deployment.

We were informed that we would be deployed for three weeks; we needed to pack with a 'camping trip' in mind, take along snacks/food for several days and to count on little contact with family, friends or the outside world. We were told to take our cell phone, but be aware that service might be limited. As far as health concerns, we were told to get tetanus shots updated.

I made use of the time before being deployed by taking Red Cross first aid and CPR training and of course. I went to see my doctor. She had no problems with me working with the Red Cross and checked my tetanus record. I made sure to take four weeks of meds (just in case) and plenty of items to stay clean.

I packed gloves, sanitary wipes and enough clothes for seven-plus days. I needed to be able to carry everything I took along. I ended up carrying a duffle bag and a sleeping bag, as I had no clue as to where I?d be sleeping on a given night. I was called in again by the Red Cross, given a debit card for expenses and a phone number to call for airline reservations. I flew from Washington, D.C., to Montgomery, Ala., on Sept. 20.

Montgomery looked untouched by Katrina, but those of you with good memories realize that this was just three days before the next storm, Rita, came in. The first three days were spent in the Red Cross shelter and headquarters with 4,000 of my closest co-workers. The Red Cross would not send anyone out to the field in advance of another severe hurricane.

I spent the first three days deciding where in the organization I could best serve. I ended up deciding to get involved with bulk distribution. I became a truck driver, driving 15- and 24-foot trucks all over Alabama and Mississippi, delivering supplies that the Red Cross provided to the victims of Katrina and Rita. I also worked in the warehouse in Montgomery between deliveries. I ended up driving some 7,000 miles and loading and unloading many, many tons of food, water, medicines, tools, tarps, and many other things.

I went into many heavily damaged areas, including Biloxi and Gulfport. I was able to do all the things asked of me by the Red Cross, some days working as many as 16 hours. I was able to keep myself well fed, as food was available at the shelters that I delivered to, as well as stores and restaurants along the routes. I spent most nights in a motel at the headquarters, other than the nights spent on the road. The Red Cross did a good job of taking care of the volunteers.

I scheduled myself to fly home on Tuesday, Oct. 11, after three weeks of work. I came home with only a few extra 'ailments.' Being on aspirin and prednisone, I tend to bruise easily, so I came home with both arms brightly bruised from throwing, hauling, and catching boxes loaded and unloaded from trucks. I tried to always wear long sleeves, but that would get old with temperatures and humidity in the 90s.

I found myself a little sensitive to local water supplies. I did drink only bottled water, but coffee was made with the local tap waters and they had some effects. I needed to remember that few coffee makers boil the water. There were also a number of sore muscles, but overall the workout was well worth it.

I would do this again. I am scheduled for more disaster relief training from the Red Cross. And you might look into this for yourself.

As Christians we have much to be thankful for. We should not be afraid to give something back. We might even, as I did, really enjoy it.

Mike Garrett is a member of Memorial UMC in Poolesville. This essay originally appeared in The Transplant Chronicles, a monthly periodical of the Kidney Foundation.