News & Stories

“My mom, Kathy Denman, passed unexpectedly and became a donor a year ago in June of 2020. While we were completely shocked and devastated by her passing, we find joy in the fact that mom was able to save three lives through the gift of donation.

Lifeline of Ohio did a wonderful job of guiding us through the process and honoring mom and the gifts she gave. Their staff walked us through every step and stayed in close contact with us before and after her Hero Day.

We have been blessed to become acquainted with one of mom’s recipients. The fact that he and his children reached out to us means a great deal to our entire family.  We hope all recipient families will choose to contact donor families as that has brought feelings of joy and peace to our family.

Mom was truly an amazing person. She was the best wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and ‘Grammy’ and we are blessed to have had her in our lives. She and her husband John were married for 43 years and they were just beginning to enjoy the retired life. They loved to camp and travel together. Mom took the role of being a mother very seriously and gave us the best childhood. She attended every sporting event, recital and after school activity we participated in – she was there for everything. Once her grandchildren came along, she was thrilled. She spent as much time as she could with them and spoiled them beyond measure. Mom gave love to everyone and was a great support to those close to her. Through her words of encouragement and guidance, she was a constant in our lives that we miss immensely.

Mom made life beautiful for us with her joyful heart, gift of hospitality, love of travel, love of birds and flowers and kind spirit. We chose to live by her example, which is to love and give to others, be strong, and value our family.”

Thank you to Kathy’s daughter, Nikki, for sharing her story with us.