Lifeline Blog

Real stories about what is possible when you #SayYES.

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

By Kelly Vance / 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

By Kelly Vance / 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

By Kelly Vance / August 14, 2017

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

By Kelly Vance / 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…

“Somehow, someday, I will affect someone’s life”

By Kelly Vance / July 13, 2017

“Maria was born the queen bee,” remembers Susie Diaz fondly. Her little girl was the youngest of three, with two older brothers aged 7 and 9 at her birth in December of 1981. “She was just so cute, and much more feisty than our boys.” The queen bee stayed close to her hive at first,…

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.