Photos of Madelyn meeting the Nill Family

March 18, 2005

Dear Family of Angel Andrew:

I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it was to receive and read your letter. I have read it several times and each time it has brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. I have shared your letter with many and you can be sure that the tears of many people you do not know and will probably never know have also fallen as the result of reading your precious words.

My suffering seems so slight when I think of the pain that you and your family have been through and no doubt are still experiencing.

Your letter comforted me in an emotional way. I am humbled by the gift of life that was offered to me by you through your son Andrew at a time when words could barely be spoken.

I received Andrew’s pancreas. Andrew healed me of 24 years of insulin dependent diabetes. Andrew saved me from more of 29,000 needles I have taken during my illness. Andrew also saved me from pricking my fingers for blood tests 5 to 8 times a day. Andrew saved me from possible blindness as I now struggle with vision impairment but have been told that there will be no additional damage because of my transplant. Andrew saved me from any more comas, low sugar or high sugar episodes, severe foot pain, loss of feeling and dialysis. Yet even though all of this and oh so many prayers to the Lord, my main purpose for prayer and the desire of my healing was for my mom and dad. They have worried and have been through so much with me, their second of four. So many emergency trips to the hospital so many times. It has been my request that now as I watch them encounter the final years of life that they could look upon me with joy and hope that their “baby” daughter was going to be fine. I thank God each day for that and I thank you. So deep is my appreciation I wish tat I could just hold you all and tell you that I now feel as though I am a part of a wonderful family, yours.

I have never had the blessing of children but I can tell you that if I did I would have wanted to be able to describe my son exactly the way you describe Andrew, he sounds so beautiful and adorable.

I called the New York Organ Donor Network and spoke to a lovely women whose name is Marie. I advised her that I wanted to share some information with you that would reveal my identity. I hope that you agreed to receive this because as I was preparing to write you this letter I received a call from a local newspaper and they printed part of your letter in a story they did on organ donation. I wanted to share this with all of you so that you could actually see how your son, brother, nephew and uncle is living on. This life never ends. I am hopeful that it brings you unspeakable joy.

I do not know why the good Lord lifted His gentle hand that day and pointed at our Andrew, but I do know that each life has a purpose and that Andrew’s purpose for life was to give life.

I would very much like to meet you all as I said I feel as though I am now part of your wonderful family.

How can I thank you? There is no way except to promise you that I will live each day to the fullest and I will honor your son with my life in any way that I can at every moment.

Thank you and God bless you. I pray that each of you knows Andrew smiles upon you even at this very moment.

I hope to hear from you again soon~

Madelyn Sendlewski

Letter #2

Dear Friends,

A little more than two months ago our son ----- had a successful kidney transplant. We know we have one family to thank profusely for donating the organ ----- so desperately needed. As parents, we can imagine that there is no greater loss then losing a child, so we felt very strongly about sending this letter on behalf of ---- and our entire family. Its is so difficult for all of us to express our gratitude to your family when we know our good fortune was a result of your tragedy. Your overwhelming generous gift initially brought us all to tears and with each passing day, it touches us deeper and deeper.

Your son’s kidney has rejuvenated ----- life totally. His 46 year old body was beginning to wear out from 14 years of dialysis and its side effects. His activities were extremely limited and his life revolved around the many dialysis appointments each week. He is now able to function as he did before, eating and living a more typical life.

We send our condolences for your devastating loss and hope you can find some comfort in the happiness you have bestowed upon our entire family. This incredibly giving act has made each of us better people and has helped educate so many others about becoming organ donors. We hope that you and your family will only experience health and happiness in the days and years to come. Please know that your gift will be in our thoughts forever.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,