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 the Indiana Donor Network.
RELATED: Indiana woman on mission to sign-up more organ donors
-
Colts’ Charvarius Ward renews love for football after considering retirement
Colts' cornerback Charvarius Ward had one of the toughest seasons of his career last season. Ward suffered three traumatic concussions last season that placed him on the injured reserve.
1 juvenile dead, another critical in shooting on Indianapolis' south side
A juvenile and another victim are in critical condition after being shot on Indy's south side Wednesday evening.
Caitlin Clark sidelined for Fever vs. Fire with back injury
Caitlin Clark has a back injury and was ruled out by the Indiana Fever for Wednesday night's game against the Portland Fire.
Robot security dog to provide extra layer of security at Indianapolis 500
A tech startup co-founder on Wednesday said his company’s robotic security dog adds another layer to security at the world’s largest single-day sporting event.
