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.

Real-life stories of organ and tissue donation (Midwest Transplant Network, Kansas and Missouri)

Cynthia Hardaway

Cynthia suffered cardiac arrest one day on her way home from work. Her children, who made the brave decision that she should be an organ donor, say it has changed their whole outlook on life.

Cynthia suffered cardiac arrest on New Year’s Day 2014 while coming home from work and was pronounced brain dead at the hospital. Her children, Willie and LaCresha, made the decision for her to be a donor. “I feel that was the best decision we made in our lifetime,” LaCresha said. “It has changed my outlook on life.”

Real-life stories of organ and tissue donation (Midwest Transplant Network, Kansas and Missouri)

Andre Maloney

A standout football player, Andre was poised for a bright future. After he suffered a stroke, his mom remembered he had proudly joined the donor registry, enabling Andre to donate multiple organs to grateful recipients.

Andre dreamed of “making it big,” and at only 17, it seemed he was on track to do just that. A standout football player, Andre committed to playing for the University of Kansas after high school graduation.

Real-life stories of organ and tissue donation (Midwest Transplant Network, Kansas and Missouri)

Hope Ray

Not even 2 months old, Hope had a seizure that devastated her family, but she gave life to others as an organ and tissue donor — proving that age doesn’t matter when it comes to organ donation and saving lives.

Hope spent only two weeks of her short life at home with her parents and big sister. At just five weeks and five days old, Hope suffered a seizure that ended her life far too soon – but she was able to give life to others as an organ and tissue donor.

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