Saturday, March 06, 2010

To The HaTeRs Out There...

Unfortunately there are some people who have found the need to spend entirely too much time obsessing and critiquing every little thing my husband and I do. Seriously...get a life. Anyway, I want to clarify a few things for the idio...er...people who I guess need to hear it. Here goes.

When Marcus originally decided to help Juan in 2008 he was only going to help by raising money to help with their medical bills. They had no insurance and dialysis 3 times a week is very expensive. Marcus ended up also donating a kidney to Juan which was obviously a great thing for their family, but also added another huge financial burden. Kidney transplants can cost up to $100,000. We decided that the best way to help raise money for this family was to let the public know about Juan and Marcus' story. The media was notified and in the end we raised over $25,000 for Juan's family. Not the $100,000 we wanted, but a huge blessing for their family nevertheless.

This was never about Marcus bragging about what he did. He in fact complained constantly about all the interviews and attention that he really wasn't comfortable with. If this was just about him getting attention for himself he would have posted and bragged about the other awards he received both locally and nationally and the invitations to speak at events, but you have probably not heard a word about most of them from him because he hasn't really told anyone except his mother. He even got mad at me when I mentioned one very cool honor he got to our bishop.

Now to my story. I decided to get tested as a donor in 2008 when we found out about Juan. I was next in line to get tested if Marcus was not a match. We obviously never got to that point. Going through this whole process with Marcus and meeting many, many sick people through our work with the Kidney Foundation that followed made me certain that I still wanted to donate. No fan fair, no money to raise this time, just me donating anonymously. However, we were contacted last week and asked if we would be interested in doing a story for National Kidney Month to raise awareness on kidney donation and help inspire others to consider donation. I wanted no part of the hoopla I saw Marcus go through, but could not say no to the chance to help inspire others and possible help save more lives. We decided to go ahead with it because it was the right thing to do, not because we wanted the attention. Since the story ran on channel 4 news we have all ready been contacted with questions on how to get tested to become a donor. So my decision to step outside of my comfort zone was 100% worth it regardless of what you think my motives may have been.

You should be embarrassed at your stupid post and comments that caused me to have to write this. I am insulted that you would question my character and intent on something like this. Just let something good be something good and don't concern yourself with my life and why I do what I do. Sheesh.....jealous much?!

Love Always,
Monica

6 comments:

Marcus said...

Just when you think you know someone they do something to prove you are 100% right.

Anonymous said...

Looks like there are now 2 people getting screened as possible donors because you made sure the TV news was there. The person who made those comments is a dumbass.

Anonymous said...

If they have a problem with you guys being on TV maybe they can make an appointment with your bishop.

Jodi said...

Marcus and Monica,
I am so sorry you had to go through this and in response to such a Christ like act?? I need to say I have no idea what was said or posted but your actions not only show what kind of people you are they show that you both did what really mattered. You have helped so many people, not only the people who recieved your kidney's but their families and the generations to come as well as all of those you have inspired by your willingness to save someone elses life without regard for your own! You are both wonderful, caring, giving, selfless, Christlike people and I dont doubt that for moment! We love and appreciate you and your example to us.
Love the Howells

Limb's Just Branching Out! said...

I have not heard the comments, but I am stunned that people would feel the need to criticize you for helping people. I am truly sorry for the ignorance of others!

A said...

Monica and Marcus, I too am not sure what post are comment you are referring to, but regardless it does not matter what anyone else says. I have a quote/saying I carry with me that says “They may see the good you do as self serving,
Continue to do good.
They may see your generosity as grandstanding,
Continue to be generous.
They may see your warm and caring nature as a weakness.
Continue to be warm and caring.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It never was between you them anyway.”— Anonymous. So just remember that and keep your chin up, what you both did was very generous, selfless, and a great example to us all.