Donation Stories

One act of generosity becomes a lifetime of impact.

One heart, one bond

September 21, 2017

Less than 10 years ago, Twyla Kim was a young mother living in Hampton Roads, fighting for her life as her heart began to fail even before she turned 40. Today, she has a new lease on life and a new extended family, thanks to a young man who shared his heart with her when…

Dirt Kart Racer’s Victory Flag was the Help He Gave to Others

September 11, 2017

Dylan Brockwell lived the charmed life of an adventurous spirit. On a daily basis he indulged his consuming passion for racing, hunting, fishing, surfing, and archery —Dylan’s mother, Jamie, would just bite her tongue at the anxiety his “perpetual motion” caused her and focus on how proud she was of all he’d accomplished. At 22,…

Back to School with a Healthy Heart

August 30, 2017

Like most kids his age at this time of year, Matthew Brown is gearing up to head back to school. And, like most kids, his summer vacation was filled with a lot to report—sports, amusement parks, and a whole lot of running around.  But Matthew hasn’t always been like most kids. Until June of 2014,…

A Little Life, a Big Gift, and the Healing Powers of a Dream Vacation

Mackenzie Hooker / Kidney Recipient
& Danielle Hicks / Living Donor

Small, cheerful, and jam-packed with energy, Mackenzie Hooker doesn’t immediately come across as a child who’s been in and out of the operating room since the day she was born. This 12-year-old has a lot more to do than think about her kidneys—she’s a cheerleader, a lover of makeup, and a YouTube fan. Plus, right…

An Extraordinary Career Giving People Ordinary Lives

August 1, 2017

After a 48-year career, transplant nurse Gigi Spicer finally retired in the spring. That lasted for 20 days. “I got a call from Tulane saying they knew I retired and asking if I wanted to take up an interim position helping to rebuild their transplant institute,” she said. “It’s an interim position though; I do…

Checking your status could change 75 lives

Did you know organ, eye and tissue donation can save 8 people, and improve life for 75 more? Check your status right now, and sign up to help others have longer, stronger lives.