Shadowboxes - Lifeline of Ohio

Telling the story of donation

The atrium in the Lifeline of Ohio office features an ever-changing memorial installation featuring 48 shadowboxes. Nearly two-thirds of the framed tributes highlight individual stories of donors through photos, letters and/or mementos selected by donor families. Each inset box memorializes a donor while outset boxes feature photos of transplant recipients.

The boxes serve as both a memorial and a celebration of the ripple started by each gift given through donation. View our digital shadowboxes below to see a complete gallery of all who have been featured over the years.

If you are interested in working with us to create a shadowbox please complete the form below to receive more information.

Michaela Martin Columbus, OH. Michaela was in eighth grade when she tore her meniscus during a dance routine. Dancing was her life and the thought of never dancing again was unfathomable. Thanks to a heroic donor, Michaela received a tissue transplant on January 10, 2006 and went on to win a national dancing title just a year later!

Michaela Martin

Eric Harned Worthington, OH. Eric was given a second chance at life through donation and transplantation in 2014 when he received a double-lung transplant on December 22, 2014. He has since met his donor, Rita’s, family and has vowed to live his life to fullest and take care of his gift.

Eric Harned

Sam Williams Galloway, OH. Sam has much to be thankful for – two donors have given him gifts of life! He first received a liver transplant on August 24, 2005 when he was 11 months old. Fast forward to 2013, Sam was in need of another transplant – this time he needed a liver, small bowel and pancreas. After years of waiting, he received his second transplant on February 6, 2015!

Sam Williams

Beanie Wells Columbus, OH. Beanie was a pro football player when he injured his Achilles tendon which ended his career. He was afraid he would never run again or be able to play with his kids. Thankfully, donor tissue was used to reconstruct his Achilles and he regained his life! Donation continues to touch his family today as his father waits for a kidney transplant.

Beanie Wells

Chris Nance Pickerington, OH. When Chris was a young child he was diagnosed with an eye disorder which led him to become a cornea recipient. Thanks to his donor, he was given the gift of clearer sight and is now able to see his wife and child clearly.

Chris Nance

Sylvia Smith Columbus, OH. Marie’s journey to transplant began in the 80s when she was diagnosed with liver disease. Finally, in 2011 her liver failed. After more than three years of waiting, her gift of life in the form of a liver came on November 14, 2014. Now three years post-surgery, she is able to live again!

Sylvia Smith

Create a shadowbox

The gallery will continually change as we share new stories. If your loved one was an organ, eye or tissue donor with Lifeline of Ohio and you are interested in creating a box to remember them, please click the button below to fill out the form, contact shadowbox@lifelineofohio.org or call 614-384-7375.