Miranda Burland

When Miranda Burland was 13 years old, she developed Type I Diabetes, a chronic condition in which the body lacks insulin production. Heading into her adolescence, she expected adversity managing her unsettling health condition. Miranda considered herself a normal teenager, she had a lot of difficulty in leveling her blood sugar levels, and handling her new life as a diabetic. Throughout her diagnosis, Miranda began to experience seizures and her condition worsened.

Though Miranda’s doctor first showed signs of concerns about her kidneys in 2002, it wasn’t until early 2012 that Miranda started peritoneal dialysis. Soon after she was placed on the transplant waiting list, and due to her seizures, was listed for both a new kidney and pancreas. While waiting, Miranda experienced a wave of emotions. Receiving calls that ended up being false alarms was disappointing and exhausting, but Miranda remained optimistic and positive. December 20, 2012 she finally received the call that would not leave her discouraged, but with a new lease on life.

Miranda knew that her second chance would come at the price of another family’s loss; a bittersweet feeling. “I have been given the chance to live a longer, healthier and happier life and the donor’s families have lost their loved one, which sits with me every day, but a piece of them still lives on through me.”

Today, Miranda continues to show resilience by moving forward and having a new outlook on life. “My donor is no longer here but I can be that person for myself and them,” she said. My donor has made me stronger and they brought me back from those rough and tough days that I used to have.” Allowing a path for change, Miranda is thankful for having the opportunity to share her story with others, and having her experience make an impact in their lives. “There are a few people I know that have listed themselves as donors after learning my situation and journey over the years,” said Miranda.