Nothing can prepare us for the loss of a loved one. We at Gift of Life Donor Program wish you comfort, peace and support during this difficult time. Many families find hope in the ability of their loved one to heal others through the extraordinary gifts of organ and tissue donation. The heroic legacy of each donor is something for their family to cherish. The resources below explore how donation is the ultimate act of compassion and generosity.
Donor mother Cynthia London: “Organ donation saves lives.”
When her beloved son Sipho Thembla passed away, Cynthia London chose to honor his goodness and devotion to others through organ donation. Sipho’s life-saving legacy saved six lives. In this video, Cynthia talks about “the hope and love” this brought to her family.
Religious and cultural perspectives on donation
All major religions support organ donation as one of the most powerful expressions of compassion and generosity. In this video, donor families and recipients talk about the meaning and humanity of this decision. See below for more information.
Gift of Life’s continuing support of families
Donation is just the beginning of a family’s relationship with Gift of Life. We are dedicated to supporting families throughout their grief journey and honoring the heroic legacy of their loved one. Find more information about our counselors and programs.
Profiles of courage, gratitude and generosity
Helping others is Timmy Nelson’s way of showing gratitude to the donor and family that saved his life.
“I’m alive today because that family made that decision,” Timmy says.
Learn more about the special bond Arlinda Griffin has developed with Mary Smith, who made the decision to donate her son’s Eric organs.
Rafiah received a life-saving liver transplant as a toddler and lives a healthy life today. When Rafiah’s mother passed away, she became a donor hero who transformed the lives of strangers through precious gifts of corneas and tissue.
When a rare illness put Zach in the hospital, the only treatment was a heart transplant.
Zach’s mother Sarah says, “I will never forget the donor who saved Zach’s life.”
Rickey Colomy tragically passed away at the age of 21, but his mother Dawn Ortiz says her son “lives on” through organ and tissue donation.
After tragedy brought them together, Carol and Kareem realized they shared a special bond through their faith and the life-saving legacy of organ donation.
An EMT and mother to a young boy, Stacey Rodenas is alive thanks to her donor hero.
“Their sacrifice and their struggle is something that helped me get back to my normal life,” Stacey says.
Derek Fitzgerald is an Ironman and a father who has never forgotten the donor that gave him a second chance at life.
“My body may be the vehicle, but I know that nothing is possible without your engine,” Derek says.
A rare genetic disorder caused Carrie’s ligaments and tendons to stretch like taffy, preventing her from simple activities like playing the guitar, fishing or hugging loved ones with both arms.
A tissue donor’s gifts gave Carrie her life back. She is now a mother and nurse, fulfilling her lifelong dream to help others.
Cameron regained vision in his left eye, and his independence, thanks to a cornea donor.
That transplant allowed him to get his driver’s license, go to college and even win a gold medal in a national athletic competition. “My donor now lives on through me,” Cameron says.
