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
A Grateful “Rookie”
When I first heard that the U. S. Transplant Games existed, it was something that I immediately began to look forward to because for most people, once high school ends, so do their athletic careers.
A Gift I Never Imagined
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.
Tuesday’s Tale: Her Halo Wasn’t Always Straight
It is every parent’s worst nightmare. Seeing two State Highway Patrolmen standing on our front porch at 4 a.m., informing us that our daughter, Katie Lynn, had been involved in an automobile accident. On June 29, 2005, Katie Lynn became an organ and tissue donor. She was able to give the Gift of Life.
Tuesday’s Tale: A Mother’s Greatest Loss
Being a mother is an experience that, at times, be difficult to put into words. A mother hopes, dreams, hurts and celebrates, all for the love of a child. Even though I don’t get to see my daughter every day, I know she is with me. I think of the way she is living on through other people and it gives me hope when I feel hopeless.
Tuesday’s Tale: A New Breath
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!
Tuesday’s Tale: “Never Say Never”
“Never say never.” As a parent, you often encourage your children to avoid saying “never.” You want them to chase their dreams, to believe anything is possible, and to have the courage to overcome whatever obstacles they may face. But last May, my 20-year-old son, Billy, died in a car accident and “never” took on an entirely new meaning for our family.
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The gifts of donation are powerful – they can change someone’s life and rewrite their story. Will you share yours?