As a result of adult onset Type 1 diabetes, Dave Hollon’s kidneys failed in 2001. His brother, Mike, could not stand to see Dave and his family suffer, and in April 2004, Mike donated a kidney to his brother. Though Dave’s life was renewed, he still suffered from diabetes, and ultimately was listed for a pancreas transplant. In February 2006, 16-year-old Lacey Rodia, a registered organ donor, was involved in a fatal auto accident, and her pancreas was transplanted into Dave, eliminating his diabetic condition. “My life has been truly saved by God and by the gifts of life that my family and I have been blessed to receive.”

Dave's Story

As a result of adult onset Type 1 diabetes, Dave Hollon’s kidneys failed in 2001. He began dialysis and was listed for a transplant. “The support of my wife, Sonya, and children Leslie and Michael (who were eight and four at the time) kept me moving along,” recalled 50-year old Dave. “By my second year on dialysis, life was, in a word, agony. I could not be the husband and provider my wife deserved and could not keep up with my kids. How do you tell your little son that you can’t go bike riding?”

Dave’s overall health was failing fast, and he was not looking forward to several more years on the transplant list. His brother, Mike, could not stand to see Dave and his family suffer. In April 2004, Mike donated a kidney to save his brother’s life. “He had the love and support of his wife, my sister-in-law Sharon,” Dave said. “He would have not made that life-saving decision without her support and counsel.

“After that transplant, I could enjoy life again. In fact, my son asked my surgeon before I could when I could resume bike riding. Also, Mike and his family moved from Virginia to Fullerton and we are now able to enjoy life together.”

Though Dave’s life was renewed and he was enjoying life and work again, he still suffered from diabetes. A few months after his kidney transplant, his blood sugar levels became very erratic and he ended up back in the hospital, and was then listed for a pancreas transplant.

While Dave was dealing with managing his health, 16-year old Lacey Rodia of Murrieta, CA, became aware of organ donation while preparing for her driver’s license. She let her wishes be known to her parents and signed up on the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry. A few months later, in February 2006, Lacey was involved in a fatal auto accident. Lacey touched four lives as an organ donor, including Dave’s. He now has a pancreas that produces insulin. His diabetes is no longer active.

Dave and his extended family first met the Rodias in December 2006, and together they placed dedicated roses on the 2007 Donate Life Rose Parade float.

“My transplant journeys have been life-defining experiences,” continued Dave, a procurement agent for Boeing Co. “My life has been truly saved by God and by the gifts of life that my family and I have been blessed to receive, and enriched by medical professionals, OneLegacy, extended family, friends, Cornerstone Church and Boeing co-workers who facilitated those journeys.

“I believe I can speak for my fellow Donate Life Ambassadors when I say that those whom we come to meet and know through our donation and transplant experiences are not simply friends, but family.”