Gift of Hope

[chicagoans]

During the summer I shared some tragic news of our dear friends losing their son in a bus accident. Thank you for the prayers, words of comfort, and recipes for comfort food that you offered.

I wanted to now share some of the positives that have come from that sad event. My friends still struggle every day with the loss of their son, but they have been comforted by knowing that Cameron saved the lives of 5 people and gave 2 others the gift of sight. Cameron had registered to be an organ donor while he was in college. This was a gift to his parents because they never had to wonder if they were following his wishes.

They recently met the man who received Cameron's heart. He and his fiancee asked permission to name their first child after Cameron.

Cameron and other donors will be honored on a float in the Rose Bowl parade. There is a story here: http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhi ... s1.article

Hug your loved ones and here's wishing you a safe and joyous holiday.

[Joppa]

Thanks for sharing this. Often we hear stories of what if means to a recipient and their families. Its good to hear of the positives from a donors family. Thanks again.

[California Girl]

That's really cool! Thanks for posting the link. I'm a registered donor (but my parts are beginning too wear out! )

[jimg20]

Richard Pryor used to tell a joke on this subject. He said that when they perfect brain transplants he wants one from a bigot. "I want one will low miles on it!"

Our fire department responded a few weeks ago to a 43 year-old man who was in apparent arrest when we got there. We did CPR and everything else we could do. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. His widow came by the next week and told us that he was an organ donor. She also said that because of our continued efforts, he had so many viable organs that he was able to affect more than 70 recipiants. Many people will have longer and healthier lives because of one family's generous gift.

Merry Christmas

JIM

[lprof]

Thank you chicagoans and jimg20 for sharing these touching stories.

I have known both families of donors and recipients of organs, and I know that registering to be an organ donor is indeed a gift of hope and of love.

[Tracy in WI]

Thank you for sharing that story. What a great gift your friend's son gave - I hope that gives them some peace.

[mindehankins]

Oh bless them! I broke out in tears, when the mom said she wanted to hear her boy's heart beating again... A reminder to make your wishes clearly known!