Grateful for Life’s Second Chances
As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jim Noble is no stranger to the need for second chances. He has made a career of seeking justice while protecting the public, which sometimes means offering other people a second chance at life. Little did Jim realize that he himself would soon be on the receiving end of a second chance – through the gift of tissue donation.
Jim ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while playing intramural soccer at Texas Tech University. In youthful exuberance, he was hesitant to have surgery at that time. He enjoyed basketball, tennis, and running 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons.
As time marched on, the effects of the injury began to take an even greater toll on his body. Casually skiing down a slope or simply stepping off a curb often came with excruciating pain. How would this outdoor enthusiast ever be able to return to the active, east Texas life he knew and loved?
After consulting an orthopedic specialist, Jim knew that surgery was his only hope. His surgeon suggested using donor tissue to optimize his chances of quickly healing. Jim diligently underwent physical therapy. After four months of rehabilitation, Jim was able to re-engage in light running. His knee was once again stable, he was pain-free, and he was back to competing in sprint triathlons again!
Jim remains passionate about donation and transplantation. “You certainly become more grateful for donation when you benefit first hand. It improves your quality of life in a very tangible way,” Jim said.
In fact, Jim’s family has a rich heritage of donation. His father felt so strongly that he donated his body to UT Southwestern Medical School. Jim signed the state registry to become a donor as well. “I think it is important, while you are healthy, to make the donation decision, and not push that decision off to your survivors,” Jim said.
To his donor family, Jim says: “Thank you! The quality of my life has been improved. It has also enhanced my relationship with my daughters.”
The gift of donation has allowed Jim to enjoy cycling, camping, and hiking with his 11- and 13-year-old daughters. Jim is grateful for the second chance at a vibrant life both as a middle-aged athlete and with his daughters.