Today is International Firefighters' Day. This is Ray's story:
Ray Brooks has been a volunteer firefighter for over 14 years. Our family knows all about countless hours of volunteer work, risk, and sacrifice. Ray’s passion for protecting others’ lives and property shines through to everyone who knows him. However, last June, it was Ray who needed to be saved. Ray was born three months premature and required blood transfusions. When donating blood in his 20s, Ray learned that he had Hepatitis C. In May 2006 he underwent a liver transplant at Duke University Medical Center. That liver gave him a second chance and more time: with me, with his son Jackson, with his newly born daughter Riley, and with his community as a volunteer firefighter. But in the spring of 2012, Ray and I begin to see an all too familiar path ahead of us – the need for a new liver.
During a monthly meeting in June 2012, Ray and the Red Oak volunteer firehouse crew were preparing for a 50 year anniversary celebration and a fundraising event for Ray and our family. Ray received a call and looked down at his caller ID: a 919 area code. He knew this could be “the call.” The coordinator on the other end said the words Ray and our family had been praying for: “Ray, we have a liver. It is a perfect match.” Ray went back into the meeting room with tears in his eyes and announced the news to his brothers before rushing home to tell our family. Before this particular call we had four “false alarms” between April and June of 2012. By this point we knew this “drill” and had become pretty good at responding! What we thought would be a few hours turned into all night of waiting! (Waiting is certainly something you become good at if you are on the transplant list!) Surgery wouldn’t however take place until the following morning. It was a tedious, grueling surgery. The amount of scar tissue the surgeons found astounded them, and it took 16 hours start to finish chiseling away the scar tissue around the old liver and finally being able to transplant the new one. 10 days after surgery Ray was released from the hospital. I created a blog to keep our friends and family updated but also to share Ray’s story with others and the importance of being a donor (Ray Brooks has been a volunteer firefighter for over 14 years. Our family knows all about countless hours of volunteer work, risk, and sacrifice. Ray’s passion for protecting others’ lives and property shines through to everyone who knows him. However, last June, it was Ray who needed to be saved. Ray was born three months premature and required blood transfusions. When donating blood in his 20s, Ray learned that he had Hepatitis C. In May 2006 he underwent a liver transplant at Duke University Medical Center. That liver gave him a second chance and more time: with me, with his son Jackson, with his newly born daughter Riley, and with his community as a volunteer firefighter. But in the spring of 2012, Ray and I begin to see an all too familiar path ahead of us – the need for a new liver.
During a monthly meeting in June 2012, Ray and the Red Oak volunteer firehouse crew were preparing for a 50 year anniversary celebration and a fundraising event for Ray and our family. Ray received a call and looked down at his caller ID: a 919 area code. He knew this could be “the call.” The coordinator on the other end said the words Ray and our family had been praying for: “Ray, we have a liver. It is a perfect match.” Ray went back into the meeting room with tears in his eyes and announced the news to his brothers before rushing home to tell our family. Before this particular call we had four “false alarms” between April and June of 2012. By this point we knew this “drill” and had become pretty good at responding! What we thought would be a few hours turned into all night of waiting! (Waiting is certainly something you become good at if you are on the transplant list!) Surgery wouldn’t however take place until the following morning. It was a tedious, grueling surgery. The amount of scar tissue the surgeons found astounded them, and it took 16 hours start to finish chiseling away the scar tissue around the old liver and finally being able to transplant the new one. 10 days after surgery Ray was released from the hospital. I created a blog to keep our friends and family updated but also to share Ray’s story with others and the importance of being a donor (www.rcb2ndchance.blogspot.com).
As May begins and we remember and pay tribute to firefighters everywhere, our family also reflects on our lives at this time last year. Ray and I will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary on June 9.. Four days later we will celebrate his one year anniversary post-transplant! Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and show up in unexpected places. While Ray may be a “hero” to others we know that our family’s true hero gave Ray the gift of life last June and shines down on him daily!).
As May begins and we remember and pay tribute to firefighters everywhere, our family also reflects on our lives at this time last year. Ray and I will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary on June 9.. Four days later we will celebrate his one year anniversary post-transplant! Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and show up in unexpected places. While Ray may be a “hero” to others we know that our family’s true hero gave Ray the gift of life last June and shines down on him daily!
Today is National Hair Stylist's Day! Sheri Goodwin shares how her stylist saved her life: "Although I didn’t understand what exactly was happening, my health began to deteriorate in 2003. I had gained weight, but attributed it to not exercising regularly. One day at the hair salon, my stylist, Dana, asked what I had been doing differently. Puzzled, I asked what she meant. She explained that she was noticing changes in my hair that concerned her. She suggested I schedule a visit with my doctor. Unfortunately, I didn’t take heed initially, so at my next appointment she insisted that I see my doctor. I learned I was in kidney failure, and months later, I found myself on dialysis. Although the doctor hadn’t cleared me to drive yet, I was very anxious to have a pampering day at the salon. My wonderful stylist, who knows me so well, arranged to pick me up and bring me into the salon so that I could have an "attitude adjusting treatment" in her chair! In early 2013, five years after my transplant, she has participated in a video about becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor and has a Donate Life smock she wears in the salon. I couldn’t appreciate Dana any more than I do today! Never underestimate your relationship with your stylist!"
Today is National Healthcare Decision Day, and our friends at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peroria, IL share a touching perspective about those that help carry out our decisions, including the decision to donate.
“While I understand that NHDD has a lot to do with advanced planning, I think this story goes along with the question of ‘Who will speak for you,’” wrote Michelle Reef, Donation Coordinator for Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. “The answer is it can be more than just your family.” Michelle sent the following story about a transplant team recognizing the importance of respecting the donor and the donor family and being the voice for the donor for a brief moment.
I am the third shift charge nurse at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. We recently had an organ donor in which kidneys and the liver were recovered. The procurement team was from the University of Wisconsin -what a delight they were to work with!
They did something that really special that I had never seen done before in an OR. After the patient was prepped and draped the surgeon, David Shol, stopped and asked everyone to take a moment. He then thanked us all for being there. He acknowledged the patient. He thanked the family for donating the organs. He verbalized that these organs would help others. He hoped that the recipients would do well after receiving the organs. This moment as he called it (I certainly would call it a prayer) had a great impact on everyone in the room.
Later, the transplant coordinator asked if that was something he personally does. He said that it was part of the University of Wisconsin's protocol for all organ donors. He then went on to say that if the donor is someone from their hospital the team is told something personal about the donor such as hobbies.
This medical team was great to work with. It would be great to pass the practice on for our future donor patients.
Thanks,
Margaret Stearnes
It's National Siblings Day; a day to cherish and appreciate your siblings. For Matt Scroggy, he thanks his sister, Sarah, every day. In July 2009, Sarah gave Matt an extra reason to be grateful for her in the form of a life-saving kidney. Matt was diagnosed with kidney disease in February 2009 and his sister was his living donor just five short months later. Matt graduated from the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy doctorate program in 2012, and is now working and living life to its fullest. Read his story here: http://www.lifelineofohio.org/2011/09/fan-feature-matt-scroggy/
Help us celebrate National Doctors' Day!
We are proud to partner with NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Joey Gase Racing who will be driving the Donate Life car this weekend in Bristol, TN. Good luck Joey!
Jacob Harris had a lot to celebrate when he graduated from high school. When a heart condition kept him confined to a hospital bed his entire senior year, he worked hard to complete all of his schoolwork online. On graduation day, not only did he receive his diploma, he got the news that a new heart was on its way. Organ donation gave Jacob a new lease on life. "Thank you is not enough," says Jacob's mom of the donor. "He can do whatever he wants to do. This the most special gift." Story courtesy of Midwest Transplant Network
Today is Boy Scout Day and we have a special story to share.
This is the story of Mike Maughan
For Mike Maughan, PhD, service was a way of life. In Scouting, he was able to combine his passion for service with archery. Mike believed archery, like life, is guided by a few basic principles: Follow them, and you are assured a true path to your target. Mike was very active as an adult volunteer in every aspect of his Scout troop’s activities, but his special joy was being an archery instructor.
Sadly, before Mike could begin his tenure as a Scoutmaster, he passed away. His family celebrated his legacy of service in two wonderful ways. One was the creation of the Michael Maughan Memorial Fund, which was used to build the Chiron Archery Pavilion at the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch. The beautiful facility was named after Chiron, the mythological Greek archer, which was the logo for Mike’s consulting company.
Following Mike’s wishes, his family consented to eye and tissue donation. Four people in North Texas received grafts, which allowed vision-saving surgeries to take place. Fourteen skin grafts were provided for patients at a regional burn center. Also, 47 bone grafts were provided to 25 health care facilities in 15 states. From ages 13 to 83, from Texas to Arizona, Washington to New York, the gifts from Mike’s donation has touched more than 65 lives.
At the Chiron Archery Pavilion dedication, Mike’s wife, Onda, remarked on the two legacies Mike left behind. It was obvious the family is equally proud of both. After the ribbon cutting, the Maughan family shot the first arrow, and the large crowd of Scouts, Scouters, and the family gathered at the pavilion to share stories about Mike. They also showed off the donor status on their driver’s licenses and encouraged others to make the same decision.
As a Scouter, Mike touched many lives as a teacher and mentor. As a donor, he saved lives, preserved vision, promoted mobility, and reduced pain.
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Looking for ways to serve others? Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor by visiting www.DonateLife.net. Or, if you’re already a donor, tell us why you’re registered (and SHARE it with friends).
January 12 is National Pharmacist Day and the Donate Life community begins a year-long project to use national days of recognition to tell the stories of people from many walks of life who have been touched by organ and tissue donation.
David Perzanowski is a pharmacist and owner of Vineyard Scripts on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. David’s life was saved in March of 2005 thanks to the brave decision of his donor family. He and his family including wife, Nellie and their five children are now advocates for organ and tissue donation, they share their story to encourage others register.
The country celebrates National Donor Sabbath today through Sunday. Held annually since 1996, National Donor Sabbath is observed two weekends before Thanksgiving. Faith communities focus on the life-affirming gifts of hope passed to others by organ, eye and tissue, donors. Many faith leaders participate in services and programs to educate their congregations about donation and transplantation and the critical need for donors. We appreciate all who engage in this observance. Thank you!
Meet DeAndre, today's "Story of Hope" from Arkansas.
DeAndre Robinson of Monticello is a charmer. On a recent photo shoot for a donor registry promotional campaign, DeAndre was right at home in front of the camera, taking directions like a pro. His mother, Teresa Robinson, said that this was no fluke. DeAndre enjoys the spotlight.
It was only a few months before this that DeAndre and Teresa had the opportunity to meet Joshua’s parents, Russell Bourland of Atkins and Tammy Johnson of Dardanell at a spirited donor family and recipients meeting in Little Rock. DeAndre received Josh’s right kidney.
Like many other kidney patients, DeAndre spent much of his life receiving dialysis. In fact, DeAndre and Whittney Edwards, Josh’s left kidney recipient, have known each other for years. Not from play dates, or school or neighborhood parties. Although they live in opposite corners of the state, the Robinson and Edwards families became acquainted in the dialysis unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. That DeAndre and Whittney would not only receive their kidney transplants on the same day—not to mention from the same donor—could not have been scripted better.
At the photo shoot, Teresa Robinson’s face reflects the joy she feels at realizing that her son is vibrant and healthy. She said that DeAndre would love to be in front of the camera more doing commercials or other activities. Thanks to his new kidney, this and so much more are possible.
Residents of Arkansas can register as a donor at donatelifearkansas.org/Registration.aspx.
Today we share another powerful "Story of Hope" from Arkansas. Meet Melva Shelby and learn how she honors her son's memory.
When Melva and Garland Shelby of Pine Bluff sent their 13-year-old son to school on an April morning in 2004, they could not have known about the tragic events that lay ahead for their family. Adron Shelby, nicknamed “Shorty,” was a vivacious 13-year-old boy, and an avid sports fan. He enjoyed playing football on his junior high team and was considered the life of any classroom. He was a stranger to no one.
Adron suffered a fatal aneurysm while at school; sadly, there was no chance of recovery for Adron. Through their very personal pain and loss, the Shelbys made the decision to donate their son's right and left kidney, liver, heart valves and corneas at Arkansas Children's Hospital where he was transported following his illness.
Melva honors Adron’s memory through her continued support of organ and tissue donation as a member of the Arkansas Donor Family Council. She is also an active volunteer speaker for ARORA.
Residents of Arkansas can register as a donor at donatelifearkansas.org/Registration.aspx.
Arkansan Whittney's "Story of Hope" features a life saved, a special bond between families, and "Princess Chocolate Strawberry."
Whittney Edwards of Van Buren packs a lot of personality into her small frame. A very “girly” girl, it would be impossible to look at her and know the physical challenges she has experienced in her young life. At age 4, Whittney was diagnosed with an aggressive E. coli bacteria infection. Yoli Edwards, Whittney’s mother, said that her daughter was given only a seven percent chance of recovery, and that she likely would not survive beyond 24 hours. Whittney did recover. Unfortunately, the illness had ravaged her kidney’s causing them to fail.
Whittney spent more than half her nine years of life at Arkansas Children’s Hospital receiving dialysis treatments three times each week. All of that changed when she received a kidney transplant from her donor, Joshua Bourland. Josh, only 19 years old, succumbed to injuries he received as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Whittney, who received Josh’s left kidney, said that Josh is her hero. “He’s an angel to me, and he’s in heaven right now and he’s watching over me.” Joshua’s parents are Russell Bourland of Atkins and Tammy Johnson of Dardanell. Russell has a special bond with Whittney. He said that Josh told him at age 10 that he wanted to become an organ donor. Russell assured Josh he would honor his wishes. “To be able to be close to Whittney and be friends with her…it eases the pain and helps to fill the hole in my heart,” Russell said. He added that sometimes Whittney gives him a phone call before going to school. When he hears her voice he said his “heart just jumps.” Whittney said she thinks of Russell as “real family.”
Whittney has named her kidney “Princess Chocolate Strawberry.” She said that Josh’s kidney donation means the world to her because “I can just be a normal kid now.”
“Josh didn’t die so that Whittney could live,” Russell said. “He died, and because of that, she lives.”
Residents of Arkansas can register as a donor at donatelifearkansas.org/Registration.aspx.
This week's Stories of Hope come from Arkansas.
Today's story highlights the commitment and passion of donor mom Tammie Sisemore.
In February of 2002, 16-year-old Charles “Robbie” Sisemore of Farmington, Arkansas was a passenger in a car that was part of a caravan. He and his friends were leaving a school event and were heading to a second location. Robbie never reached his destination. Instead, his parents, Rob and Tammie, received a phone call informing him that their son had been critically injured in an automobile accident. Tammie recalls seeing her son at the scene of the accident and feeling sure that he would be okay. What Tammie didn’t know was that Robbie had suffered a severe head injury and had lapsed into a coma. After being treated for several weeks in the hospital, Rob and Tammie made the decision to bring their son home. For four months, Tammie cared for Robbie day and night, always having faith that he would recover. Sadly, this would not happen; after returning to the hospital for a final surgery to attempt to improve his condition, Robbie succumbed to his injuries on May 15, 2002.
It was during this painful time that Robbie’s younger sister, Shae, reminded Rob and Tammie that it had been Robbie’s wish to become an organ and tissue donor at the time of his death. The Sisemores honored Robbie’s decision. His kidneys were donated to two recipients—one in Arkansas and one in Mississippi. His heart valves were also donated.
Tammie is a dedicated advocate of organ and tissue donation. She serves as Chair of the Arkansas Donor Family Council and is also a member of the ARORA Board of Directors.
Residents of Arkansas can register as a donor at donatelifearkansas.org/Registration.aspx.
What to see some of the faces behind Donate Life America? Here we are sporting our Donate Life Scarves!
Yes, Donate Life America is also getting in the spirit of things! ;-)
Our National story for the week features twin brothers and cornea recipients, Garry and Larry. We hope you enjoy!
Identical twin brothers, Garry and Larry, have a lot in common, from careers in the insurance industry to a passion for fishing. Unfortunately, Garry and Larry also share Fuch’s dystrophy, a genetic disease that slowly deteriorated their sight year by year. The only hope to restore their lost vision was cornea transplants. In December 2010, a doctor in Overland Park, Kansas scheduled the brothers for surgery, giving the pair one more thing in common. Though recovery was gradual, both Garry and Larry experienced dramatic improvement in their sight. It was only after their surgeries that the brothers learned their corneas were from the same donor. For all they share, they both hold a high appreciation for donation and the Hope it brings.
*Provided by Heartland Lions Eye Banks
Our National I am Hope story for the week is about twins and cornea recipients, Garry and Larry. We hope you enjoy!
http://donatelife.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/NDLM-Garry-and-Larry.doc
You may remember Scott MacIntyre as the first blind finalist on American Idol. But what you probably don’t know is that a kidney transplant saved his life. Donate Life America is proud to be partnering with Scott on the release of his autobiography By Faith, Not By Sight. This amazing insight into Scott’s life and his triumph over blindness and kidney disease is now available. Order your copy today! A portion of the proceeds will support Donate Life America’s efforts to save more lives through increasing organ, eye and tissue donation.
https://premierecollectibles.com/by_faith_not_by_sight
Today is World Kidney Day!
Currently, 80% of those waiting are in need of a kidney transplant. Did you know that a healthy, adult kidney is the size of an adult's fist?
This year, we're asking you to take action by helping us register 20 million organ, eye and tissue donors! You can help us reach our goal with your own personal call to action - the Hope Card.
1) Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
2) Share this Hope Card post with your friends.
3) Encourage them to register as donors too and to pass it on! Then...
4) Repeat!
This year, we're asking you to take action by helping us register 20 million organ, eye and tissue donors!
You can help us reach our goal with your own personal call to action - the Hope Card.
1) Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
2) Share this Hope Card post with your friends.
3) Encourage them to register as donor too and to pass it on! Then...
4) Repeat!
On this day in 1944, Dr. R. Townley Paton and a small group of doctors formed an organization in a room at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital that would lay the groundwork for The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, the world's first eye bank! The organization's primary devotion has remained to restore sight through eye donations and cornea transplants. Cheers for Dr. Paton!
