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.

Sadie Miller

Sadie was a healthy, recently married mother when she contracted viral cardiomyopathy. She strongly supported organ donation, ultimately giving others life-enhancing gifts when she passed away.

Sadie Miller was a healthy, recently married mother of two when she contracted viral cardiomyopathy. After receiving a heart transplant, she became a strong supporter of organ donation. “Every time anybody went to the DMV, the first thing she said was, ‘You better sign up as an organ donor, or I will not talk to you anymore,’” jokes Sadie’s husband, Kyle Smith.

Braxton Woods

Braxton decided to register as an organ donor at just 10 years old. His mother believes that if a child can be so committed to helping others, then adults should be able to make the same decision.

When Braxton Woods was 10, he went with his mother, Loretta, to the DMV. Braxton requested a Missouri identification card, and after learning what it means to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, he decided to join the registry. Three years later, when Braxton was in a car accident and passed away, Loretta honored his wishes to become a donor.

Chad Stacy

Already a hero for his country as a U.S. Marine, Chad became a personal hero for others when he donated his organs after a car accident — allowing his legacy to live on through saving and improving lives.

Chad Stacy dedicated his adult life to others as a Marine, serving two tours in Iraq. His mother, Linda Isaac, said Chad’s choice to serve rang true to his personality. “He had the biggest heart and the biggest smile,” she said. When Chad suddenly passed away, Linda and her family learned he was a registered organ, eye and tissue donor.

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

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