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.

Mike Smoker

Mike’s wife had no idea he had registered as an organ, eye and tissue donor, but after he suffered an aneurysm, she became deeply grateful for his decision and for the support she has received from other donor families.

Juliane Smoker summed it up well: “Organ donation is a tragically beautiful thing.” When her husband, Mike, was in the hospital after suffering an aneurysm, she learned he had registered as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Leo Woodruff

Leo’s aunt, who has her own personal experience with organ donation, says she feels better knowing that through Leo’s donation, someone is getting years back in their life to spend with people they love.

Julianna Armato feels a special connection to organ donation. Several years ago, she donated one of her kidneys to her mother, who enjoyed many more years with her family as a result. More recently, Julianna lost her nephew Leo when he was just 17 years old. Although that has been painful and difficult, she is proud of her sister’s decision to donate Leo’s organs.

Christopher Hutson Jr

Carthesa Hutson had said many times during her first-born child’s life, “I never knew true love until I stared into his beautiful face.”

In the wake of 19-year-old Christopher Hutson Jr's death in a road rage shooting, Carthesa has been comforted knowing that her son’s senseless death has led to new life for several individuals who received his organs.

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

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