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.

Josh Birrell

Josh Birrell

Josh passed away after living with epilepsy and autism. Although his family struggled with their loss, they also felt at peace with his passing.

The Birrells are grateful for Josh — who donated organs and tissues — and everyone who gives the gift of life.

Donor Rose Erickson

Rose Erickson

When Rose Erickson suddenly passed away, her daughter, Ashley Trotter, supported Rose’s wishes to become an organ donor.

Since then, Ashley has met her mother’s liver recipient. “When we first met, it was kind of bittersweet,” Ashley said. “The liver was a perfect match.”

Trista and Kyle Smith and family

Trista and Kyle Smith

Mary and Tex Benjamin remember their daughter and son-in-law as devoted parents who impacted many people.

When Trista Smith lost her husband, he became a tissue donor. A couple years later, Trista passed away and became an organ, eye and tissue donor. Although the losses have been painful for them, Trista's parents are proud of Trista and Kyle for their selfless decisions to become donors.

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