By Erica F., Senior Internal Communication Specialist and Blog Contributor
Scottrade associates have a lot in common, but few are connected quite like the two former coworkers in Billings, Mt., who share a liver.
Last July, Senior Broker Christine M. donated 30 percent of hers to Nicole, a former financial office assistant in her branch office. Before the transplant, Nicole had one year to live. Today she has normal liver function for the first time in seven years—and her donor, Christine, is considered the fastest-healing liver donor the Mayo Clinic has ever seen.
The two worked together in Scottrade’s Billings branch office for a year, during which Nicole was severely ill with colon, thyroid and liver problems. One day Christine nonchalantly made Nicole an extraordinary offer: If Nicole needed a liver, she’d donate.
“I once saw a TV show about organ donation,” Christine said, “and I told myself, ‘if I’m ever in this situation, I’ll definitely donate.’”
The liver is the only human internal organ that can naturally regenerate lost tissue, so a living person can safely donate and expect to return to full function.
Little did Nicole know she’d soon be accepting Christine’s offer. In February 2011, she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder that damages and blocks bile ducts inside and outside the liver—and sometimes, as in Nicole’s case, causes bile duct cancer.
Her time was dwindling. She’d already undergone chemotherapy and radiation, and now her only hope was a new liver. The waiting period for a liver from a deceased donor was two years, and her doctors said she’d need one within six months.
So Nicole called Christine: “Remember when you offered to donate your liver? Would you really do that?”
Christine didn’t hesitate. “Within an hour I was on the phone with the Mayo Clinic,” she said, and the two underwent the transplant in July.
It saved Nicole’s life.
“The decision was easy,” Christine said. “I’m lucky enough to be healthy, and I wanted to share that.”
Christine had no fear of the surgery, the long recovery or the potential complications that could follow. Her only concern was missing work—until she spoke with Scottrade’s Human Resources department, who gave her 30 extra sick days to recover.
“If I worked for any other company, the transplant would have been a lot harder—or impossible,” Christine said. “It was a testament to why Scottrade is one of the ‘Best Companies to Work For.’”
Christine says Scottrade helped her maintain the positive attitude she credits with her speedy recovery. And the optimism has stuck as her story has encouraged countless others to “pay it forward.”
“The experience puts things into perspective for me. I don’t worry about the little things anymore,” Christine said. “And if my story inspires others to do something good—whether it’s picking up a piece of trash on the sidewalk or signing up to be an organ donor—it’s all worth it.”
What has inspired you to “pay it forward?” Leave a comment below to inspire others.
Erica F. has been with Scottrade since 2005. She writes and edits communication for Scottrade associates.
Interested in learning more about what Scottrade has to offer its employees? Visit careers.scottrade.com.
What a great story!
What a beautiful story! Brought tears to my eyes. Christine truly showed the meaning of "pay it forward"..may you always be happy and healthy and never in need. I hope Nicole is doing well! And Kudos to the H.R. dept for the extra 30 days, what a wonderful way to help and be a part of a beautiful thing.