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.

Zach Mendoza

Zach Mendoza

Zach Mendoza’s parents remember him as being sweet, kind, tender and loyal.

Zach's parents recall that when he first received a driver’s license, he did not hesitate to join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry. Since he passed away, they have found immense comfort knowing that Zach’s legacy lives on through his recipients.

Leea Crawford Walker

Leea Crawford Walker

Leea Crawford Walker's generous personality and compassion for others in need of transplants shone through to her family.

After developing diabetes while pregnant with her son, Leea needed a kidney transplant. She was trying to become healthy enough to rejoin the waitlist when she passed away.

Chris Garcia

Chris Garcia

Chris Garcia's mother thought of organ, eye and tissue donation immediately after learning her son would not survive a tragic injury. Now, Chris' legacy lives on through his recipients.

Growing up, Chris Garcia always knew he wanted to become a police officer. Upon fulfilling this dream, Chris proudly patrolled the streets of his hometown, dedicating his energy for two years to the challenging and dangerous job of undercover detective. He was posthumously awarded Missouri Narcotics Officer of the Year in March 2019.

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