THE GREATEST GIFT

They say the greatest gift is the gift of life. The young woman in the picture with me came into my life around her 12th birthday. On the day this photo was shot, we were celebrating her 19th birthday at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles where she spent the majority of her childhood. The bomb that was ticking inside Janelle and everyone who loved and cared for her was a rare genetic illness called MMA. At this point in time, no MMA sufferer had ever lived past 21. You can see the fear etched on both of our faces.

Because I wrote a book called CALIFORNIA ANGEL, which I dedicated to Janelle and used the proceeds to assist with her care, Prime Time Live did a special on us. In researching the story, one of the producers, Ray Lambaise, made contact with a doctor in France who claimed to be able to cure MMA with a liver transplant. When this information was relayed to Janelle's doctor, she became a candidate and we all sighed with relief. There was hope. The dreaded deadline might be extended.

Janelle, however, needed a liver. Lots of people need liver transplants, so I've found out. I decided to give Janelle my liver. For those who think this cannot be done, you don't give your entire liver, just a portion. After the transplant, your liver grows back to its normal size. I underwent tests for compatibility, and the results looked promising. The day of this party was an important date. My eldest son, Janelle's doctor, and myself gathered around a small table meant for children. After hearing what my intentions were, my son agreed that he would support me, as long as I was in good health at the time of the procedure. This particular son is the one who wouldn't be here today if I'd made the decision to abort him. It takes a lot for a child to allow his mother to undergo a risky medical procedure. My son and I have a giving heart. He would never prevent me from saving a life.

As it turned out, Janelle found another donor and the procedure went well. She later underwent a kidney transplant. On both occasions, I was there. In February, Janelle will turn thirty! The dreadful deadline for Janelle is gone, just as it is for MMA patients all over the world.