Born on Christmas Day, 1945, in Camp Lejeune, NC, I received the gift of life from my daughter, Sarah, who donated her left kidney to me on April 1, 2011.

I lost kidney function due to nearly 17 yrs on the drug lithium to manage my manic-depression (bipolar disorder). Fortunately I no longer have the illness, which often resolves itself later in life.

In 1986, after my bipolar diagnosis, I founded the support group New Directions. While working as a copyeditor at the Doylestown-based Intelligencer, I discovered the Hahnemann University's Allied Health program on Group Process, Group Psychotherapy.

I received my MGPGP degree in 1992 and still work as a psychotherapist, doing one-on-one therapy and group therapy out of my Willow Grove home.

Writing, though, remains a constant in my life. Even when I was in Einstein Hospital for four days for my transplant, I was writing things down on the back of the menu for the worst food I've ever tasted in my life, except for the sausages!

I enjoy giving talks on Recovery from Bipolar Disorder and Depression.

My boyfriend Scott got me into a love of politics. He's a pessimist while I'm an optimist.

Our favorite things are walking in nature and watching movies. I check em out for free at the Abington Public Library.

I just donated to WHYY, which I usually have on during the day. Television? I don't own one.