Shelley

In 2001, my dad passed away suddenly from a heart attack at age 49. My mom remembers it as the one moment of light in a day of complete darkness – when we knew he’d be able to help others through donation. He gave the gift of sight to a 22 year old and 29 year old! Although he wasn’t able to walk me down the aisle or meet his grandkids, his gifts helped others walk, run and play basketball. He was always our hero, and his donation just continued his legacy of love and generosity after he was gone from this earth.

In 2021, my mom was having debilitating back pain. She couldn’t walk with us, pick up her grandkids, or do all of the things she dreamed of in retirement. Thanks to a generous tissue donor gifts, her surgeon was able to correct her pain and get her back to enjoying life. We never expected to need the gifts we said “yes” to years ago…but wow – what a full circle moment. We have always been confident and grateful of our decision to say “yes”. Receiving was such a joyful reminder – and a nod to my dad, continuing to watch over us & work miracles for us here on earth.

We never know when someone we love will find ourselves in need of the gift of life, and it takes the generosity of registered donors and donor families to save & heal lives. The decision to register as a donor is heroic in itself, and although not all of us will be able to donate. The feeling of love that comes from being a donor family brings so much peace and pride. I encourage everyone to register as a donor – to give hope to those waiting and give that honor to our loved ones around us.