"Many of you may know that I have struggled with my health all my life. That battle includes facing sickle cell anemia and kidney disease head-on. Like many who live with a life-threatening illness, I power through each day, no matter the pain to provide for my family and serve the people of Senate District 13. This past weekend I was blessed to receive a kidney transplant. While my family and I are incredibly excited, I know that my recovery will cause my absence in the community, but my staff will be right there, continuing the work.

"While I recover, the work in Senate District 13 will continue. My district offices will stay open, and my staff will continue serving you. The Job Fair scheduled this week at Houston Community College North Forest (Oct. 17) will continue as planned.

"God is good, and I am eternally grateful for this blessing that I have been granted. Every breath is a gift, and I never take one for granted. I have so much more work to do.

"Thank you to everyone for your love, support and prayers. Thank you to the doctors and the healthcare professionals who oversaw my transplant. Second, please consider becoming an organ donor and help save lives. You can register to become an organ donor at Donate Life Texas; you never know whose life you are going to save."

Keep the Faith, Keep the Fight!