Donor Stories

The gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation has a lasting impact on donor families, recipients, recipient families and living donors. Read inspirational stories from families whose loved ones impacted the lives of transplant recipients through the generous gift of donation.

Leah Brown

Leah Brown was fearless, funny, charming and inspiring. She was on medical leave from basic training when fatally struck by a stray bullet.

Leah’s mother, Gretchen Brown Carroll, is an emergency department nurse who — in the face of extreme tragedy and loss — advocated for her daughter to become a tissue and eye donor.

Sebastian Vazquez

When her son went into cardiac arrest, Denisse Vazquez's journey as a mother forever changed.

Initially when she was asked to donate Sebastian’s organs, Denisse was shocked and unsure what to do.

Matthew & Brandi Waters

Matthew Waters and his sister, Brandi, were active, athletic kids who were well loved in their community. Through donation, they continue to help others.

“Their legacy will be how we live our lives and remember them,” said Scott. “Brandi and Matthew never gave up; they kept fighting even to the end. They donated their organs and still help people, so we keep going and putting our best foot forward.”

Read about recipients and the impact their donors made, or tell us about your own personal experience with organ donation.

Recipient Stories Share Your Story

1900 W. 47th Place, Suite 400
Westwood, KS 66205
913-262-1668