Life, loss, hope and healing – these are the stories of those touched by donation.
We invite you to:
- Scroll down and watch the story of 11-year-old donor hero John B. Mullins IV.
- Click here to visit our YouTube page and meet recipients, donor family members and those waiting for their lifesaving gifts.
- Click on the panels at the bottom of this page to read more stories on our website.
John B. Mullins IV
Dashing For My Dad
My family was blindsided in March of 2000. My dad had gone to the doctor for a cholesterol check and received a call later in the day that the blood work was “off.” The doctor went on to say that dad had to see a nephrologist (a doctor that specializes in kidney care) immediately.
Running for Our Superman – Rob Gates, Jr.
My brother Rob was the prankster of the family. He was always joking around, laughing and having a good time. He was the oldest of three siblings and always protected my sister and me. He constantly put others before himself – even in his untimely death.
Free to Breathe
My story begins September 1999 when I was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – I was only 41. COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it very difficult to breathe. I was devastated, but told myself that I wasn’t going to let it get me.
Kimberly Noelle Canterbury, The Girl Who Helped Others
My sister, Kim, was an optimistic and artistic 17-year old. She was a member of National Honors Society, German Club and Art Club. She loved to skateboard, to dress-up for Halloween and to help others—especially younger kids. She even chose to be a vegetarian due to her love of animals. She exuded life.
Team Give and Take – The Story of Elias and Jessica
In February 2012, two life-changing moments happened. My husband Tony and I began to consider starting a family and my then co-worker, Jessica Hostetter, gave her right kidney – the gift of life - to a stranger. I remember thinking about how selfless her act was and wondering if I could have done the same thing. I’ve been a registered organ donor since I got my driver’s license, but would I consider being a living donor to a stranger?
Facebook Inspired Me to Donate
Most of the time, when I tell someone I donated a kidney to a stranger, the first response is an incredulous, “why?” My answer is, “why not?” I had never given living donation much thought, but the moment I saw the need I knew I would do it. It was a clear, precise moment when I knew this was the road I would travel. But let me back up, because the “stranger” I donated for turned out not to be a stranger at all.
Submit a story
The gifts of donation are powerful – they can change someone’s life and rewrite their story. Will you share yours?