By Kathy Harrington, Lindsay’s Mom (Donor Family)
On Friday, September 13, 2002, my life became forever changed. My beautiful daughter, Lindsay Alyce Jones, died of a brain aneurysm.
Lindsay went to school that day and decided to go work out with her best friend Morgan. She suddenly experienced an excruciating headache, said she did not feel well, and collapsed. I was called immediately and was at our health club within minutes. (more…)
By Ronni (Spratt) Richards
In 1992, Jim and I danced at our wedding celebration to our chosen song, “Hot Diggity Dog Ziggity Boom What You Do To Me.” As we waltzed our way into a life together, we couldn’t have comprehended that we would have only three short years to celebrate our love as Mr. And Mrs. Jim Spratt. Jim would die of heart disease May 7, 1995 while awaiting a heart transplant.
By Jenny Hoover, living kidney donor
I began working as a nurse in the intensive care unit at a hospital in central Ohio in 1983. While I enjoyed the field I was in, I wanted a career that would help me make a difference in the world and get more involved with the community, because I was new to the area. That’s when I met Linda Jones , and she had just started the local organ recovery program. (more…)
By Terri Louder, tissue recipient
I’ve always taken good care of my teeth, went to the dentist regularly and never had any major issues. Over the years, I started experiencing painful sensitivity and my dentist told me my gums were receding. Receding gums not only cause discomfort, but can lead to tooth root decay. I was told I would need a gum graft. (more…)
By Dr. Gregg Hadley, cornea recipient and Lifeline of Ohio board member
Twenty years ago, I knew I’d need a cornea transplant. I was diagnosed with Fuchs dystrophy, a rare genetic condition that led to the degradation of my corneas. (more…)
By Bryan Warman, liver recipient, and his father, Gene, Lifeline of Ohio board member
I first got sick in the spring of 1992 when I was in the 7th grade. I thought it might be the flu, but as I continued to play lacrosse, I became more and more fatigued.
Our middle school had a professional shadowing day and I was working with my dad, Gene. He noticed my eyes were yellow.
I went to the doctor and was initially diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis. I started a vitamin regimen and was told I would soon feel better. But instead my condition worsened. I was referred to a gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital. He told me a liver transplant might someday be necessary, but certainly not for several years. (more…)
By Sara Brown, Donor Family
I never thought my dad’s death would influence the career path I took in college, the opportunities I received and ultimately where I would end up working. Thanks to my dad, five people received the “Gift of Life” – and I ended up with a purpose. (more…)
This year, a local man will be honored on a national level in the 122nd annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. A floragraph, featuring organ donor Kirk Walker of Columbus, Ohio, will be one of 60 floral portraits adorning the Donate Life Float. (more…)
By April Caudill, tissue recipient
My name is April Caudill and since 1998 I have worked for Lifeline of Ohio in tissue recovery, personally facilitating the gifts of tissue shared by hundreds of individual donors.
Today, I am Lifeline of Ohio’s manager for tissue recovery and perfusion services; but I am also a wife and a mother – therefore a cook, and a maid – and I am a part-time college student. My life is full and fulfilling.
In December 2009, I took on another role I never imagined for myself: I became a tissue recipient. (more…)
by Tony Siciliano, double lung recipient
At three months old, I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Even with my diagnosis I was brought up to live my life to the fullest. I followed my regimen of medicine and chest therapy throughout my childhood and early adulthood with few problems. I had hardly any hospital visits and was even able to play soccer!
By Jim Wirth, liver recipient and Lifeline of Ohio Governing Board Member
A motorcycle accident in 1977 and the necessary transfusions had affected me but did not became apparent how much so until 13 years later. I began to experience severe internal bleeding and was treated until 1996 when my regular physician said my blood work indicated “some day” had come. (more…)
