Lifeline Blog

Real stories about what is possible when you #SayYES.

Miracle Milestone: Gloucester 5-year-old graduates with a ‘special heart’

By Kelly Vance / June 26, 2018

Preschool graduation is always a milestone, but for Brody Martin, it’s also a miracle. The 5-year-old almost didn’t live to see his first birthday but thanks to an angel and a heart transplant, he is now experiencing childhood like every other kid in his class. Brody’s mom, Lauren Martin, said it happened out of the…

Inspired by son’s transplant, Richmond mom signs up as anonymous living donor

By Kelly Vance / June 22, 2018

After her son’s heart transplant, Ashleigh Jordan wanted to do something to honor his donor and the thousands of other strangers who give the gift of life. After some thought, she decided to give the gift herself, signing up to become a living kidney donor. “I thought about releasing balloons or doing a fundraiser but…

I love you with all my liver

By Kelly Vance / June 12, 2018

At 18, Rutger Scott is a budding filmmaker and actor who just graduated from Kettle Run High School in Warrenton and is headed to New York University to study acting. He’s on the precipice of a new chapter of his life; one where he’ll start becoming the man and the artist he wants to be.…

Virginia Beach daughter gives dad gift of life

By Kelly Vance / May 30, 2018

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…

The Fight and the Swap

By Kelly Vance / May 17, 2018

At the age of 51, Retired Master Sergeant Douglas “DJ” Jordan already knew he needed a liver transplant. He just hadn’t told his family.He’d shared the news with a close network of friends and colleagues, but he hadn’t told his family. “I didn’t want them to worry,” he said. “But I had everything planned. I…

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.