My heart started to beat a little faster and tears welled up in my eyes as I typed, "About to receive my new organ transplants at Fairfax Hospital! Just in case, I love you all!", and put the phone down. Never before had I indicated that I was sick publicly, nor had I felt like putting that on my page. Letting everyone know how I felt at that instant was more important than anything…

In September 1991, my mom, who spoke no English, brought me from China to Illinois to reunite with my father. At five-and-a-half, I was in complete awe of the new experience and “meeting” my father for the first time— and equally oblivious to what this change would mean for my future. Exactly thirty years ago to the month, the dichotomy of what was to be the rest of my life began…