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DIE

Hi,

My name is Edie. I am a certified social worker from New York City. Actually, I'm from Queens (born and raised) - that's one of the outer boroughs of NYC for those of you from other parts of the country! I currently share a co-op apartment with my husband of 33 years. We have a beautiful water view (Long Island Sound) which gives me peace and tranquility from my sometimes stressful life.

I received my bachelor's degree from Queens College and went to work for the New York City Welfare Department (as it was then called) in the late sixties.  That's where I met my husband, Tony. It was love at first sight and we married, after a four month courtship. We had two beautiful daughters 14 months apart.  After staying home with the girls until they were in school, I returned to the work force as a counselor in a methadone maintenance program. I stayed there for 12 years, during which time I went back to school for a masters degree in social work. From there, I went to work for another drug program which had two outpatient components: a day rehab for adolescents and an evening program for adults. I stayed there for three years. I also began a small private practice, at that time, which I have continued. For the past 11 years, I have been working for the state agency that regulates/licenses/funds drug and alcohol programs. My job involves traveling to these programs for the purpose of re-certifying their licenses (and, occasionally, to respond to complaints). I enjoy it very much and find meeting new people -- most of whom are dedicated and skilled -- the most interesting part.

My personal life is even more rewarding. Last year, my husband was diagnosed with liver cancer and underwent a living related donor transplant. My older daughter --who had given birth to a baby 11 weeks earlier --was the donor.  They are both doing very well at this time. Though the year was quite stressful, it was a year of miracles. Our first grandson was born in April and our second grandson (the younger daughter's baby) was born in June - 3

days after the transplant surgery. We are enjoying the grandbabies immensely. 

For anyone reading this, I would like to leave you with a message. Each year, thousands upon thousands of folks die awaiting organ donations, as there are many more in need than there are organs available. So, please increase your awareness and think about the "gift of life" -- sign your organ donor card (or driver's license) and pass on this message to family and friends.  Thank you.

If you wish to contact me, please feel free to write to EdieAngel@aol.com.

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