Mary Ellen Decker's experience with donation began with a heartbreaking start. Her son Seth was 21 years old when on a beautiful September afternoon in 2005, he tragically took his own life. Seth's life ended much too soon but he generously gave the greatest gift of life to six people, including a lovely three year old girl who loves to dance. "We miss our son deeply, however, we know now the importance of donation and the positive impact it can have," said Mary Ellen. "The recipients are truly grateful for their gift of life."

Mary Ellen's Story

Mary Ellen and Kirk Decker's experience with donation began with a heartbreaking start. Their son Seth D. Decker was 21 years old when on a beautiful September afternoon in 2005, tragically, he took his own life. They were devastated.

Seth had so many dreams, though he suffered from depression and drug use. He wanted to go back to college and marry a nice girl. He even planned to one day own a motorcycle so that he could ride along with his dad.

Seth graduated from Deposit Central High school in 2003. He loved football and wrestling. He also enjoyed cooking, playing his guitar and walking in the woods and fields of his family's dairy farm with his dog Zeke.

That tragic day in September, Seth was taken to UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, New York where he was pronounced brain dead. The hospital and Center for Donation and Transplant (CDT) staff members were extremely compassionate and supportive. The CDT procurement team determined Seth to be a good candidate for organ donation. After much soul searching and prayer, the Deckers agreed. Within a very short time, recipients were located and the donation process began.

"Even though our donation experience has been at times very emotional and an unexpected personal journey, participating in CDT events has been healing. Some events have changed my life, including the annual Donor/Recipient picnic in June," said Mary Ellen. "This event has been a great opportunity to get together with other families and exchange information and stories of heartbreak, courage and joy. Talking with others who have traveled down the same road that we have is extremely comforting."

Seth's life ended much too soon but he generously gave the greatest gift of life to six people, including a lovely three year old girl who loves to dance. The Deckers recently had an opportunity to talk with two of Seth's recipients; one from Vermont and the other from California. "They are truly grateful for their gift of life," Mary Ellen said of the experience.

Mary Ellen also discussed how their experience with donation has affected their lives, "I believe that my personal experience with organ donation has changed my life for the better. We miss our son deeply, however, we know now the importance of donation and the positive impact it can have. He does not know his recipients, but then again, he does so intimately."