Donation Stories

One act of generosity becomes a lifetime of impact.

Best Friends, A Life-Saving Gift

Vernisha / Kidney Recipient
& Yvonne / Living Donor

Vernisha and Yvonne met at Dozier Middle School in Newport News and became fast friends. More than thirty years later, Yvonne would become Vernisha’s living donor.  Kidney disease was not new to Vernisha’s life. Shortly after meeting Yvonne, Vernisha’s father went into kidney failure. He would spend nearly 20 years on dialysis, and in his final two years, Vernisha and her…

A Second Chance at Their Future Together

Melissa / Kidney Recipient
& Scott / Living Donor

15 years ago, when he learned that his wife needed a transplant, Scott Bucci was eager to find out if he was a match. Early on in their marriage, Scott’s wife Melissa became ill. As time passed, her illness progressed and began to require more and more medical interventions. Eventually, her illness began to impact…

DMV Employee Featured on Race Car

Viola Barnes / Kidney Transplant

“Do you wish to become an organ, eye and tissue donor?” Viola Barnes knew that her Virginia DMV colleagues asked this lifesaving question every day. What she didn’t realize was that at some point that question could impact her life drastically. In 2006 Viola was diagnosed with kidney disease. She was able to manage it…

Kidney Exchange a Lesson in Sibling Love

Hughton Maye / Kidney Recipient
& Sophia Maye-Smith / Living Donor
Evon Walker / Kidney Recipient
& Carol Champman / Living Donor

Hughton and Sophia Hughton Maye faced challenges for years with diabetes. Diagnosed in 2004, he struggled with the treatment and management of the disease. In 2012, his doctors started seeing evidence of his diabetes affecting his kidneys. Keeping a close watch on things, they were able to manage it until 2019 when he received the…

Navy Veteran Gives the Ultimate Gift

Captain Terry D. Mosher / Organ Donor

Captain Terry D. Mosher spent his life serving his country so it made perfect sense that he would also register to help others by giving the gift of life and sight.  He began his Naval career at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated in 1984. He had Command of USS Mahan DDG 72 Arleigh…

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.