Donor Stories

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.

Portrait images of Matthew and Brandi.

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.”

Crystal Sharp

Crystal Sharp

When Crystal died unexpectedly, she gave her fiancé's son a second chance at life by donating a kidney to him.

“I was very proud of her,” said Crystal's mother, Jeannie. “She knew how terribly proud I was of her, because I told her all the time. We were very close friends.”

Jeremiah Broadwell

Jeremiah Broadwell

When Jeremiah Broadwell unexpectedly passed away, he gave a final gift through organ donation.

Although members of Jeremiah’s close-knit family struggle with their loss, they have found comfort seeing his legacy continue through his donation. One of his sisters said, "He was always about family, friends, giving and being there for others."

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