Twenty years ago, Delora “Dee” Tilton met her husband Jim shortly after he had received a life-saving kidney transplant. In 2001, Dee and Jim stood on the opposite end of the transplant continuum after Dee’s son Jeff died and became and organ and tissue donor. As a recipient wife and donor mother, Dee understands both the generosity of spirit of all donor families and the heartfelt thanks recipients feel. Dee and Jim share their story at local community events, hospitals and houses of worship, and in 2006 they were awarded the Gift of Hope Echo of Life award in recognition for their dedicated service.

Dee's Story

Twenty years ago, Delora “Dee” Tilton met her husband Jim shortly after he had received a lifesaving kidney transplant. Because of the generosity of a donor family, Dee and Jim have been able to enjoy two decades together. Their families have come together as one, sharing in the joy of what it means to have a second chance at life.

In 2001, Dee and Jim stood on the opposite end of the transplant continuum as Dee’s son Jeff died and became and organ and tissue donor. As a recipient wife and donor mother, Dee understands both the generosity of spirit of all donor families and the heartfelt thanks recipients feel.

Now 64, Dee is a tireless advocate for organ and tissue donation throughout the Central Illinois region. She has led a committed group of volunteers in the Peoria area that leads the state in number of programs staffed every year. Dee has spent countless hours at events large and small to ensure that organ and tissue donation is visible throughout her community, and she has encouraged and motivated other volunteers to follow her example.

Dee and Jim are well known for sharing their donation stories at local community events, hospitals and houses of worship. In 2006, they were awarded the Gift of Hope Echo of Life award in recognition for their dedicated service.

Dee continues her hard work with her son Jeff as her inspiration. “We are proud that Jeff had registered to be a donor and chose to help others,” she said. “When Jeff passed away, we saw how many people he gave new hope to through his gifts. There are so many waiting for a lifesaving gift, and we want to do all we can to help them keep their hope alive.”