This morning I was going through the mail at my desk when I opened a letter from a donor mom. Enclosed was a program from a ceremony at which the donor’s family awarded the first of an annual scholarship in honor of their son. As I looked through the newspaper clippings, the program, and read a copy of the speech, I was very impressed with their commitment to continuing the legacy of their son and their family. This family is able to share the positive traits of their son with a much larger group on an annual basis as they give scholarships to high school students who will, hopefully, go on to pursue their dreams.
Many times we talk about the gift of life given at the time of donation – the gift of organs or tissues that saves lives of those waiting for a transplant And this is a critical message to share. Over 100,000 people are waiting for a life saving transplant and that is just organ alone. Many more people will require a tissue transplant at some point in their lives.
To me, though, the amazing thing about our donor families is that they do not stop with the donation. They do not say, “my family has given enough.” Our donor families find ways to continue to give, to further the legacy of the beloved person that has died. This is done through a variety of ways: establishing scholarships, softball touranments, telling their story to high school students in driver’s ed. These are people that understand what it means to give – to give life, to give hope, to give possibilities. I am constantly encouraged by knowing, caring for, and serving this group as they try to do the same for their community and continue the legacy of their loved one.
John LeMay
1 response so far ↓
Ellen Pasch // June 15, 2009 at 9:30 am |
I had never really thought about just how much a donor family does give until reading this blog. I am humbled by the depth and sacrifice they demonstrate in order to preserve their loved ones legacy.