INDIANAPOLIS — Omarr Gadling says every day, not just Thursday, is a day of Thanksgiving.
"When you see the nurses and the techs and the other patients in this hospital, it causes you to be thankful for what you have," Gadling said.
The award-winning poet has spent the past two Thanksgivings at Riley Hospital for Children waiting on a heart transplant. He was born with a congenital heart condition.
He spends his days performing poetry on Facebook Live and doing Tai Chi along with other activities.
"I'm away from my family ... my motto is always stay busy and don't worry about what you can't control. Keep yourself occupied and just take it one day at a time," Gadling said.
Riley Children's Health shared a video of one of the poems.
"It's a form of expression for me, a form of release. It's like therapy to me; it's like my special gift and talent that God blessed me with," Gadling said. "I just do poetry to inspire and encourage people that may be going through challenges in their lives. It's just a blessing to have a gift."
The East Chicago native was recently surprised with the National Spoken Word Award for Overcomer of the Year.
To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit theIndiana Donor Network.
RELATED: Indiana woman on mission to sign-up more organ donors
-
Snow Buddies program helps elderly, disabled neighbors shovel sidewalks
Neighbors are helping neighbors through Friday's winter storm. That’s thanks to a new City of Bloomington program aimed at helping those in need.
Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman inspiring local Hoosiers by making history
Freeman is the first Black and Asian American college football coach to lead his team to the finals. This major milestone is inspiring local Hoosiers in Central Indiana.
Officials want the state to create an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has released its 2025 legislative priorities. While the list is long, one of its priorities is to create an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Why seniors are more susceptible to injuries from falling on ice and snow
At times, it's unavoidable to walk on snow or ice in the winter. While anyone could fall, seniors are especially susceptible to falling and sustaining injuries from these falls.
