Stories of Hope

Michelle, donation comes full circle

Michelle’s daughter, Madisynn, was born with a rare and fatal condition known as Berdon’s Syndrome. She was unable to eat or digest food on her own. Her family was given little to no hope on her chances of living. In fact, they were told at birth that she would most likely not make it to six months and there was a 99 percent chance that she would never see her first birthday, unless she received a multi-visceral transplant. At just 10-weeks-old, Maddie was placed on the waiting list for a transplant. Over 20 surgeries and over 50 blood/platelet transfusions later, she made it!

Skid, heart recipient

I’ve had a bad heart for most of my adult life. I was on my second pacemaker/defibrillator when things started to go downhill rather quickly. In total I collapsed five times. Each time, my defibrillator kicked in and shocked me back to life. Finally, after 15 years of care, my cardiologist told me my heart was failing. After weeks of testing, it was determined that I needed a heart transplant — and soon. I had perhaps one year, or less, to live. Six weeks into the program, I got the call that they had found a heart that was a perfect match.

Destiny, liver recipient

A typical elementary school student, Destiny loves to climb, dance and play. Looking at Destiny today, it is hard to believe than as an infant she was diagnosed with severe liver disease and given six months to live. At the tender age of one, Destiny only weighed 13 pounds and was desperately ill. Her only hope for survival was a liver transplant. Thanks to the generous gift of an anonymous organ donor, Destiny is now the picture of good health! Destiny says she wants to be a doctor when she grows up, so she can help others like her donor helped her.

Carey, giver of life

Carey, a 21-year-old college student, was shot and killed by a mentally ill student. Carey’s sister knew that he had indicated his desire to be a donor on his driver’s license. His family decided to honor Carey’s wish. They knew of two women who were waiting for kidney transplants — one from his parents’ church and one from his aunt’s church. They directed Carey’s kidneys to them, and the kidneys matched and were transplanted. Carey’s liver went to a 47-year-old father of three, and one of Carey’s lungs went to a woman who was able to go back to work.

Tyler, bone recipient

Since his bone transplant, Tyler is playing with a handicap. At the moment, it’s about a nine. Tyler has moved on from the bone cancer and the tissue transplant that followed. Today he enjoys everything that other kids his age do — especially golf. Tyler seldom thinks about the bone transplant that saved his leg. He simply doesn’t have time. That’s possible because someone like you made the decision and signed-up to be an organ and tissue donor.

Karen, kidney recipient

Leaving behind 36 years of diabetes and over ten years of Chronic Kidney Disease, Karen now has hope for improved quality of life. In her words, "With energy replenished, I can now raise my boys and I no longer take for granted the joy of caring for my family."