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.

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."

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.

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