Father’s Day: A single parent with a liver transplant shares his story | Opinion
From neighbors lending a helping hand and friends offering a listening ear to organizations offering programs tailored to the needs of families, the strength of a community lies in its ability to come together and uplift those in need, writes single dad Dennis Benavides.On Oct. 13, 2013, my life changed when I was let go from my job. My health had deteriorated to the point where I was constantly hospitalized, and because of it, I lost my stable and steady income.
Dennis Benavides, with his five children. Benavides is a single dad that found community support through the organization Mommies In Need. During my stay, I was told that if I didn’t receive a liver transplant as soon as possible, my liver would stop functioning altogether. I was also told that 85% of people on the transplant waitlist never receive an organ. It’s why I almost didn’t believe it when, less than 24 hours later, I was going into the operating room to receive my transplant. On Oct. 16, I woke up with a new liver and left the hospital a week later with a new outlook on life.
In 2020, my life changed again with the birth of my fifth child, even though now I am a single dad. Being a parent is a rewarding yet demanding experience, and that experience is only amplified as a single caregiver. From juggling child commitments to managing household responsibilities to caring for my own health, every day presents a new set of hurdles. In the face of these challenges, though, I have discovered the profound impact that support from my community has on my family.
Community support offers both practical assistance and an emotional safety net. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone on this journey. From neighbors lending a helping hand and friends offering a listening ear to organizations offering programs tailored to the needs of families, the strength of a community lies in its ability to come together and uplift those in need.
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