Donation Stories

One act of generosity becomes a lifetime of impact.

Providing Hope One Transplant at a Time

Karl Neumann / Kidney Transplant

Donate Life Virginia Member is Second Living HIV-positive Donor in Nation

Norfolk Academy alum remembered for service and laughter

March 21, 2019

Kyle Hutchins was only 22 when he died but the outgoing young man had already inspired all who knew him– starting from the time he was a small child and continuing on even beyond his death. “He was a lively, outgoing, personable and compassionate kid and he was always like that,” said his father, Tom.…

The “Aha” Moment: Kidney recipient reflects on the gift of life

Marquis Byrd / Kidney Transplant

Marquis had never liked going to the doctor. Growing up, he avoided it at all costs. Thinking back, he supposes it had something to do with witnessing kidney disease sicken his aunt until it eventually claimed her life. Ever since her death, Marquis avoided any sort of medical facility, figuring that no news is good…

A Driving Force Remembered: Joey Gase takes Meredith Haga Fox’s message to fans

Meredith Haga Fox / Kidney Recipient
& Bruce Blessing / Living Donor

Meredith Haga Fox was not shy about encouraging others to become organ donors—quite the opposite, she was passionate and determined. “She didn’t take ‘no’ very well,” remembers NASCAR driver Joey Gase, who became friends with Meredith during his work with Donate Life Virginia. If anyone knew the power of direct statements, it was Meredith. A…

Virginia Beach daughter gives dad gift of life

Don Whitelaw / Kidney Recipient
& Kaleigh Hennig / Living Donor

Kaleigh Hennig had to wait four years to save her dad’s life. After she finally was allowed to give him a kidney, she got a scar, a healthy father, a new friend, a new job and a fiance. It started suddenly in 2012 when Kaleigh was 18. She had just finished high school and was…

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