Donation stories
Donating organs is not something we think about everyday... unless, of course, we are the one that needs an organ. Check out the stories of these people who have been saved by someone just like you. Recycle yourself!
You can save lives just by registering as an organ donor.
Justice Williams
Justice was our first child so everything about him excited, amazed, and worried us. His pediatrician assured us he was healthy, despite being jaundiced. His symptoms persisted, and soon a series of tests revealed that he had biliary atresia. Justice progressively became more ill. He gained little weight and his skin color changed from yellow to a greenish brown. But through it all there were smiles, giggles, and snuggles that made us fight to save our little boy.
At age four months, Justice was listed for a transplant, but we were encouraged to consider a living donor. They told us the list was long and the health of our baby was deteriorating rapidly.
Surprisingly, my best friend was found to be a suitable living donor. She donated a portion of her liver to give Justice a second chance at life.
Justice's transplant was a gift of hope. We are lucky that Justice is able to play, grow, learn, and love. Everyone should have that chance.
John Malkow
I was an Army medic at the age of 18 and I married my beautiful wife at the age of 20. Later that year there was a chemical explosion in a laboratory where I was working, and the building literally blew up around me.
The accident caused me to lose my sight. Twenty-four days later my first daughter was born. Doctors told me I would never get to see her.
For the next thirty years I lived with my wife and daughters as a blind person. Things were difficult, if not impossible.
I felt as if my daughters spent their entire childhood leading me around our farm. All I wished for during those years was to see my family before I died.
In 1999, a miraculous corneal transplant restored my sight. For the first time in my life I was looking at my children. My lovely wife was now a fifty-three year old grandmother. I couldn't say a word; all I could do was hold them and weep.
I was given a whole new life through transplantation, a new life that affects my entire family. There are not words in any language to thank the people who helped me.
Joseph Adams
In the summer of 1994, Joseph Adams, a healthy and active, nine-year-old Cub Scout, was suddenly diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder. For the next two years, Joseph's parents watched helplessly as their young son endured grueling dialysis treatments.
A kidney transplant was eventually Joseph's best hope for a normal life and his father, Blake, was a perfect match. "I can't put into words what it means to me that my dad gave me his kidney," Joseph, now 20, said. "I simply wouldn't be what I am today - an aspiring filmmaker, and an Eagle Scout - without my transplant."
Susan Hassett
My brother, Seth, was diagnosed with a genetic heart condition as a teenager. He managed for many years, but became ill in his 40s and was placed on the transplant waiting list. His heart was quickly deteriorating and sadly, he died waiting.
Three months before Seth died, I, too was diagnosed with the same heart condition. My disease has progressed rapidly and I am in diastolic heart failure. The quality of my life has been significantly impacted by my illness.
I am no longer able to work; I cannot climb a flight of stairs nor walk my dogs without being short of breath.
For now, my disease has not progressed to the point of being placed on the transplant waiting list. For the sake of my husband, Fred, and my teenage son, Colin, I can only hope, that when I am placed on the transplant list an organ will be available.
I made a commitment to Seth after his death to honor his optimism and fight this disease. That is why I am committed to my work as a volunteer, to encourage everyone to become donors.
Lucas and Roma Ugarte
Sister and brother, Roma and Lucas Ugarte, couldn't be more opposite. She's dark, he's fair. She likes to read and dance; he likes run, bike and skateboard.
"She's very quiet and laid back," their mom Julie said. "And he'll talk your ear off!"
But they do have one thing in common, Roma, 11, and Lucas, 6, have each had a kidney transplant. Roma's new kidney came from their father, Eduardo; Lucas received his from their uncle John. Kidney disease was discovered in Roma when she was almost five, and in Lucas at just 18 months. But, today, because of their transplants, the siblings are normal, active children. They are enjoying their childhood along with their middle brother, Marcos, 7, who shows no signs of the disease.
Bernadette Artharee
I was 25 years old and 7 months pregnant with my son, Hasan, when I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. This is a hereditary disease that has plagued my family, including my mother and her siblings. I needed a kidney transplant to live.
For almost three years, while I waited, I received dialysis. The treatments, given three times a week, became my life. Dialysis wasn't living, it was postponing death.
On March 24,1999, my "new birthday," I received a kidney transplant and regained my freedom! Someone blessed me by giving me a second chance to live.
Through transplantation my life has been renewed, and I have the energy to enjoy life again. I soon became an active volunteer, targeting minority donors as well as kidney disease prevention. Now I'm a busy woman. I'm the president of our business and proud grandmother, as well as a loving wife and mother.
