CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- April is both Donate Life Month, and Autism Acceptance Month and for one Chicago woman, both things hit close to home.
Kimberly Johnson works with Chicago Public Schools. Her adult son, William, is on the autism spectrum and she also received a life-saving kidney transplant several years ago.
She was among those who spoke at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood's recent celebration of organ donors, recipients, families, and medical staff.
When Johnson needed a transplant, it did not take the focus off her son's needs but instead, expanded her advocacy.
She told the crowd, "My entire life I've been an advocate for his life," and then when she had her health problems she "had to keep going, because my son needed me."
Johnson is now healthy. Her son works full time, and she runs a support group for those with autism, and is an ambassador for organ donation.
"There's a large percentage of African-Americans who are on the waiting list, (for organ donation) but we are the least number to donate, so that's why I'm adamant about sharing with my community and dispelling the myths about donation," she said.
"If it wasn't for this second chance at life I wouldn't be here. And I'm so grateful, because someone checked the box."
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