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.

Portrait image of donor hero Tonya Buffington.

Tonya Buffington

When Tonya passed, her family didn’t hesitate to say yes to organ donation even though she had not registered her decision.

They now take comfort in the fact that organ donation has given others more time with their families.

Black and white portrait photo of Josh Stark.

Josh Stark

Josh Stark's life was marked by compassion and selflessness.

After a lifelong battle with mental health, Josh’s life ended in 2014. His family did not hesitate at the chance for him to become a donor.

Sam Harter

When 15-year-old Sam Harter was involved in a skateboarding incident resulting in traumatic brain injury, his parents discussed the possibility of donating his organs.

Since Sam became an organ, eye and tissue donor, Kim and Jay have felt some comfort associated with their decision for him to donate.

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