Afatamah McNair – Liver Recipient
Afatamah had always been in good health, never showing signs of any serious illness. So, she was shocked to learn the itching on her hands and feet were related to an auto-immune disease that had severely damaged her liver.
“I listed for a liver transplant in September 2001. I was familiar with the concept but didn’t know anything about transplantation,” says Afatamah. “When the call came just one month later that a liver was available for me, it was surreal. I was speechless, it all happened so quickly.”
Following the transplant Afatamah noticed an immediate renewed energy and has written to her donor family to express her gratitude for the gifts she was given, most importantly the gift to watch her family grow. Since 2011, she has seen 10 great-grandchildren be born and has been able to celebrate eleven more anniversaries with her husband, Shaka.
“I am so grateful to my donor. I want to live my life to make him or her proud,” says Afatamah. “Being an organ donor is such an amazing gift to give someone and I appreciate every additional day I’ve been given.”
Chris May – Double lung recipient
In 1983, at the age of 13, Chris May was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a disease that affected his spleen and weakened his immune system. Throughout his adolescence and his twenties Chris was able to manage the disease and remain otherwise healthy. However, by the time Chris reached his early thirties, his health began to decline. In a two and half year period, Chris developed pneumonia seven times and discovered Sarcoidosis entered his lungs.
With 36% lung capacity, Chris went to the Cleveland Clinic in December 2005 where doctors told him he was a candidate for a double lung transplant. Chris’ condition was so severe he was given oxygen 24 hours a day and was placed high on the transplant list. Chris had to quit his job, but kept himself busy doing light exercises and staying at home to watch his daughters.
Chris and his family received a call from the Cleveland Clinic on February 16, 2009, informing them of a match, three years after being placed on the transplant list. Taken aback by the call and overwrought with emotion, Chris was not able to say what he always planned to say to the transplant coordinator.
Unfortunately, Chris needed two surgeries because doctors found a blood clot on the first pair of lungs he received. His second surgery was successful, and the transplant doctors later shared that Chris’ lungs were the worst pair of lungs he had ever seen. Doctors said his lungs were in such terrible shape, had he not received the surgery Chris would have only had two more months to live.
After receiving his transplant, Chris felt a renewed sense of energy and was walking, talking and breathing on his own again.
“I was alive and functioning thanks to my donor and hero who gave me a gift that I will treasure for the rest of my life,” says Chris. “I could dance and play with my children again.”
Today Chris is regaining a new vigor for life. Each day he thanks his donor and strives to make something of himself in order to make his donor and his three daughters proud.
Deyra Rodriguez – Kidney and Pancreas Recipient
At the age of nine, Deyra Rodriguez developed type 1 diabetes, a condition she dealt with each day growing up. By her mid-twenties, Deyra was experiencing kidney problems and in 1995 after becoming pregnant, her kidney’s failed. Deyra began to lose hope and grew scared she would not live to see her thirties.
“Doctors tried to treat my condition with diet and medication but as a young professional trying to pursue a PhD and balance my family life, I began to suffer,” says Deyra. “I always felt tired and my lack of energy became a way of life – I started to think that it was my new normal.”
Deyra struggled to meet the demands of everyday life and keep up with her son, Angel. What hurt her most was that she couldn’t actively participate with her son like other moms.
In the fall of 2001, Deyra was listed for a kidney and pancreas transplant. With her family and doctor’s support, Deyra remained hopeful a quick transplant would come. One of Deyra’s biggest supporters was her husband’s grandfather, Papa Chago. The family and Deyra especially, were devastated when he passed away in April 2002. Just one day after his funeral, Deyra and her family received news that a kidney and pancreas had become available.
“We joke that Papa Chago made it happen, that as soon as he got to go to heaven he found a match for me,” says Deyra. “I do know he was looking down on me smiling, knowing that my life would go on because of this amazing gift.”
Immediately following her surgery Deyra felt better than she had in years, and today is no longer diabetic or in need of insulin. She was able to finish her doctor of philosophy degree in molecular genetics, and is currently an editor for scientific journals. Most importantly, receiving a transplant gave Deyra a chance to be the mother and wife her family deserved and an opportunity to cherish the little things in life, like sharing hugs with family and baking for friends.
“I most appreciate the little things that, when you look back and reflect on life, are really the big things,” says Deyra. “These are the moments that bring us joy and they are all thanks to my donor.”
Erik Loy – Awaiting a liver transplant
In January 2010, Erik Loy complained to his mom of a stomachache. Noticing his complexion seemed a little strange, Kelly Loy immediately took her twelve-year-old son to the pediatrician, who ordered blood work and discovered that Erik’s spleen was enlarged. He was sent to Akron Children’s Hospital for several other tests, and the Loys learned that Erik had a rare liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The diagnosis was familiar – Erik’s uncle had been diagnosed with the same disease a few years earlier – but also unsettling – his uncle had passed away from PSC in 2004 when it turned cancerous. Still, the Loys were relieved when they learned Erik likely wouldn’t need a transplant for ten years.
The Loy family’s relief came to an end in April 2012 when his blood work came back abnormal. An MRI revealed a lesion on Erik’s liver, meaning he would need a transplant. His transplant coordinator scheduled the necessary testing and on May 24, 2012 Erik was officially on the liver transplant list.
Throughout the waiting process, Erik has maintained a busy lifestyle, active as class president, on student council, participating on his school’s cross country team and also working with local high schools to educate other teenagers about organ donation.
“The waiting has been the hardest part of this process,” says Erik’s mom. “Most days are fine, because we all get caught up in our daily lives. However, my cell phone is now always charged and by my side at all times. It’s tough because on the one hand, I want the transplant as soon as possible because of my family’s history; but on the other hand I am scared to have my son go through such a thing at fifteen.”
Today is not just Valentine’s Day, but it also National Organ Donor Day! Along with giving a box of chocolate to your loved ones, give the gift of life and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. www.donatelifeohio.org
Anthony Hines – Heart Recipient
In the late ‘90s, Anthony experienced chest pain and, following a week of testing, found out that he had suffered a heart attack, brought on by an enlarged heart and arrhythmia. At the age of 53, Anthony watched his health rapidly decline and he was forced to leave his job after 20 years with the City of Columbus.
Over the next eight years, Anthony suffered from eight more heart attacks. Anthony recalls that with each heart attack, a strange sensation overcame him and he would fall to the ground, feeling like he’d been kicked in the chest. Doctors installed a defibrillator to help Anthony stay alive.
Anthony’s heart was so weak that on May 14, 2010 he was placed on the transplant list. The following day, he suffered 15 heart attacks. Anthony says the feeling of those heart attacks on that day was indescribable.
“I made it to the bedroom and found my Bible,” says Anthony. “I was praying as my family called 911. All I could do was pray.”
After being stabilized at the hospital, Anthony knew his only hope for survival was a transplant. On May 22, 2010 Anthony’s prayers were answered, and he received the call that a heart had become available.
“I underwent the transplant and immediately felt 200 percent better,” says Anthony. “I couldn’t believe how incredible I felt because of this heart. Because of my donor.”
As soon as Anthony was able to regain his strength, he became an active part of his family again, helping to cook, clean and partake in family hobbies.
“I am so thankful for my transplant,” says Anthony. “I’ve written to my donor’s family to say thank you. I said thank you for their generosity, for the chance to live my life, see my four grandsons grow up and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I hope to meet them some day to thank them in person.”
Until then, Anthony continues to share his story and offer support to others with heart disease. He volunteers his time with a local heart support group to speak with transplant recipients and visit heart patients to give them hope. He’s also an active Lifeline of Ohio volunteer, encouraging others to register to become donors.
“Before I became sick, I hadn’t registered as a donor, because I didn’t think I could be one,” says Anthony. “You better believe I’m a registered donor now! I hope people reading my story will understand how important it is to take the time to make that decision and become a registered donor.” Become a registered donor today: https://ext.dps.state.oh.us/BMVOnlineServices.Public/Secure/OrganDonorEnrol.aspx
Edward Drake – Kidney Recipient
Edward Drake was an active twenty year-old living out his dream and at the height of his athletic career playing collegiate football. His life changed; when during routine physical doctors were alarmed by his dangerously low blood pressure and rushed him to the emergency room. Edward went from the football field to the hospital bed after doctors diagnosed him to end-stage Renal Disease, or kidney failure.
Within weeks Edward was adjusting to the routine of dialysis and his name was placed on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. He went to dialysis three times a week and was unable to resume the physical activities he enjoyed so much. In the beginning weeks of his diagnosis, Edward questioned why he was chosen to fight this battle. After time passed he began to cope and rethink his dreams pursuing a career in sports.
“The pain, fear and confusion of my diagnosis, along with my passion to help youth like myself, inspired me to form the YNOTT Foundation; Youth Needing Organ & Tissue Transplants,” said Edward. “The YNOTT Foundation is dedicated to raising donor awareness, educating our youth on healthy habits, and assisting youth and their families emotionally and financially. It is our goal to decrease the total number of deaths, yearly, of individuals in need of organ and tissue transplants nationwide, caused by lack of donors.”
On October 8, 2008, Edward received his life-changing call that a kidney was available to him. He not only received a new kidney, but a new outlook on life. Each day, Edward is encouraged by his donor, and knows together we can all make a difference.
Gary, heart recipient
In his late thirties, Gary was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease that commonly causes congestive heart failure. As time passed, Gary’s condition worsened. Eventually he was given a pacemaker and defibrillator, and placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant.
In 2002, while being hospitalized for another surgery to install a HeartMate – a device which helps the heart beat – doctors gave Gary the news he had been waiting for. He would be receiving a heart instead of another device.
Since his transplant, Gary works full-time at his own construction business and enjoys volunteering for Life Connection of Ohio. In 2010, Gary celebrated his 50th birthday, a milestone he never thought he would live to see. Thanks to the incredible generosity of a donor, Gary went from barely surviving to living fully. His transplants gave him the opportunity to work, volunteer and celebrate his second chance at life with his family.
Glen, heart recipient
At a yearly physical in February 2000, doctors found a plugged artery in Glen’s heart. Immediately, Glen was given a coronary stent to help keep his artery open. After continued chest pain, medication and another stent, doctors told Glen his heart was deteriorating at a rapid pace and scheduled an appointment at the University Hospital heart clinic on September 12, 2011.
The doctors and nurses Glen was scheduled to see had been in Washington D.C. prior to his appointment, and due to the events of September 11, 2001, they were not able to fly back to Ohio. Upon returning safely home a week later, doctors placed Glen on the transplant list for a new heart. On April 7, 2002 – just six days after receiving a defibrillator – Glen was given a new heart.
Glen credits his recovery to his wife Ruby. He says that had she not been by his side, he would not have made it. Glen and Ruby want to thank his donor and donor’s family for “re-gifting” him with life.
Jessica, multivisceral transplant recipient
Jessica was only 16 years old when she became symptomatic of what doctors would discover to be Progressive Autonomic Failure, a rare disease that results in pseudo-obstruction of the intestinal tract. There is no cure for the rare disease; instead, it is managed through symptom control. Jessica was distraught, but was eventually able to come to terms with and understand her diagnosis.
Organ transplantation was suggested to Jessica the night before being discharged from the hospital with palliative care measures. Jessica was only 24 years old. After deciding that organ transplantation was her only hope, Jessica contacted a transplant surgeon in Pittsburgh, PA.
“I began the work up to receive a multivisceral transplant,” said Jessica. “And that is the beginning of the rest of my life.”
John, husband
Kim, organ, eye and tissue donor
Kim made working full-time, volunteering and being an attentive mom and wife look easy. But her selfless nature didn’t end even after she suddenly passed away in May 2011 from a massive stroke.
At the time of her death, Kim was a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. Her liver went on to save the life of a 58-year-old aircraft mechanic. Her pancreas relieved a 59-year-old nurse and grandmother from type I diabetes. Eyesight was restored to two people and her tissue was recovered to restore mobility for countless others.
By registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor prior to her death, Kim spared her family the added stress of making a decision on her behalf at perhaps the worst moment of their lives.
“She always put everyone first. It’s just the way she was; she wanted to help people if she could,” said Kim’s husband, John. “She was only 38, but I knew what she wanted. She’s still giving, even now.”
Julie and Ron, parents
Alex, organ donor
Alex and his brother, Troy, were not only brothers, but best friends and identical twins. The boys were inseparable and enjoyed the same activities, but especially being outside. Their mother described them as energetic, loving nine-year-olds.
Sunday, October 10, 1999 began as any typical day for Alex’s family. Alex, Troy and their cousin were playing outside at their Grandma’s house. Alex and his cousin were riding a four-wheeler, when it was struck by a car. The boys were rushed to the emergency room, but Alex never regained consciousness and was declared brain dead a few days after the accident. Together, Alex’s family decided to donate his organs. Because of their selfless decision, Alex went on to improve the lives of five people.
“We miss him terribly,” said Julie, Alex’s mother. “But, we find comfort in knowing Alex gave life others, and they continue to live a full life because of him.”
“I have a special place in my heart for the family who lost so much, yet said “yes” to someone in need.”
Loretta, liver recipient
On April 9, 2009, Loretta was told that 90 percent of her liver was damaged and she had only two days to live. She was immediately placed on the transplant waiting list. Each day she was sick, Loretta made a promise to herself and God that if she received a transplant, she would strive to make others aware of the importance of donation. One month after her diagnosis, on May 10, 2009, a liver became available and Loretta had a successful transplant surgery.
“With the help of my faith in God and the skill and compassion of those at The University Hospital, I was made new,” said Loretta. “I was given another chance at life.”
Loretta’s recovery is slow, but says she counts each day as a blessing to be a mother to her three children and two grandchildren.
“As a result of this life-changing experience, I have found my purpose and I don’t take anything for granted,” said Loretta. “I have a special place in my heart for the family who lost so much, yet said “yes” to donation and gave life to someone in need. That someone was me.”
“I am able to live without being attached to machines.”
Kate, kidney recipient
At the age of five, Kate was unlike other children. Kate had Polycystic Kidney Disease, Nephrogenic Diabetes and a duplicating system, meaning she had four kidneys and four ureters. With the help of doctors and her family, Kate was able to keep her health stable, until 1993, when it began to rapidly deteriorate after her right set of kidneys completely failed and her left set was only 10 percent functional.
Kate’s doctors thought if they removed her right set of kidneys, her left set would work harder, but her doctors were wrong. One month after the removal of her right kidneys, Kate’s left set failed completely and she was placed on peritoneal dialysis.
Desperate to get Kate healthy and off dialysis, Kate’s family members were tested to see if they could donate a kidney to her.
“Through family being tested, we found out that my dad was a match,” said Kate. “However, the doctors wanted to use him as a backup donor and try for a deceased donor first. I was put on the transplant waiting list on August 1, 1993.”
On September 29, 1994 at 3:30 a.m., Kate and her family received the long-awaited phone call alerting them a kidney was available. Just five days after receiving the transplant, Kate’s new kidney failed and had to be removed. For three years following the removal, Kate was without kidneys and on dialysis, a treatment that was hard on a child’s system.
Finally, on January 2, 1997, once Kate’s body was ready for another transplant, her dad donated a kidney to her, giving her a second chance at a normal childhood and a healthy future.
“I felt amazing after surgery, but my parents said I probably never remembered feeling well because I was diagnosed at such a young age,” said Kate. “Donation changed my life because I am able to live without being attached to machines.”
Kate is most proud of the fact that when she meets new people, they cannot tell she was ever sick or had a transplant. An opportunity her father gave her.
“If I was lucky enough, the donor tissue would allow me to return to serving my community as an EMT and firefighter.”
Robert, tissue recipient
Robert, a retired lifeguard and respected EMT and firefighter in Southern Ohio, was best known around his hometown for his signature splash move at the pool: the can-opener. On June 11, 2011, with kids lining up on the pool’s edge waiting to be splashed, Robert slipped on the diving board, falling hard on his knee.
“I immediately knew that something was terribly wrong,” says Robert.
Robert’s fears were confirmed when doctors told him he had suffered a complete rupture of his patellar tendon. The injury meant that he may never be cleared to work on an ambulance or fight a fire again. Robert was devastated as he entered surgery to try to repair the tendon.
“Upon waking from the surgery, I was in a full leg cast and was told that the injury was worse than expected,” said Robert. “My surgeon explained that my tendon was only about 50 percent viable, so my options were to wear a brace for the rest of my life, or have a second surgery using donor tissue.”
In July 2011, after weeks of researching, Robert underwent the second surgery using donor tissue.
“Donor tissue was the best option for me, because it would give me the best quality of life,” says Robert. “I knew if I was lucky enough, the donor tissue would allow me to return to serving my community.”
After the surgery, Robert worked with his physical therapist to return to his firefighting and EMS position and signed up to become a Donate Life Ambassador. Within five weeks, Robert was walking unassisted and each day made progress toward his goal. In February 2012, after months of therapy, he was cleared for duty and able to rejoin the fire department. That same month he fought his first fire since the injury.
Robert’s ordeal shed a new light on what organ and tissue donation means. Each day he is thankful for his tissue donor, who allowed him to live without physical boundaries. Robert recently became a father, and looks forward to one day teaching his son how to do his infamous can-opener.
