A Cherished Donor Honored
April is designated as Donate Life Month, a reminder for me to reflect on the pivotal moment when my husband, Sam, and I made the heart-wrenching decision for our beloved son, Charlie, to become an organ donor. When we received the devastating news that Charlie's condition was beyond further medical intervention and that we were facing the inevitable, we found ourselves confronted with an overwhelming array of decisions that would shape not only our lives but the lives of others.
During our time in the hospital, Sam often spent his days wandering the halls of the hospital, deeply immersed in thought as he grappled with the enormity of his emotions. Meanwhile, I remained at Charlie's side, holding his hand and offering what comfort I could in those final moments. Sam took the lead in navigating all the medical discussions; although I was present during these conversations, the weight of the situation made it difficult for me to fully understand what was being discussed. When the conversation about organ donation arose, Sam first spoke with representatives from Mid-America Transplant and then carefully approached me to share his thoughts. Surprisingly, we both found it to be an easy decision. The notion that something positive could stem from our profound tragedy—a gift that could potentially save lives—offered me a small glimmer of hope amid our heartbreak.
Sadly, Charlie did not die within the necessary time frame for organ harvesting. However, the silver lining in this situation is that Mid-America Transplant still honors him as a donor. This status has always been profoundly important to us, as it reflects the intention and love behind our choice. The medal we received, which honors Charlie's generous gift of life, is a cherished part of his "Box of Interesting Things," a special keepsake that also holds his ashes. I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of this field and to have encountered some of the most compassionate individuals who perform the challenging and sensitive task of approaching families during the most difficult moments of their lives. I deeply appreciate the reverence and respect that each donor family receives, and I am grateful to have gained insight into the vital work done at Mid-America Transplant from both personal and professional perspectives.
