On January 21, 2009, Hazelee’s 11-year-old daughter Lena Laquaia-Leither Moultrie suffered a brain aneurysm. Organ donation honored a girl who was “always able to reach out to others.” It brings her family special joy to know that her heart was given to another 11-year old girl who suffered from a congenital heart defect. Although they have just started a new journey in their lives and miss Lena deeply, they are proud of her legacy, reflected in the four people she saved as an organ donor.

Hazelee's Story

Lena Laquaia-Leither Moultrie was a little girl who put a smile on her parents’ faces every time she walked into the room. Lena loved school and riding her bike, but most of all she loved to dance. She loved to moonwalk to a Michael Jackson song and wanted to marry him one day.

Tragically, on January 21, 2009, 11-year-old Lena suffered a brain aneurysm while shopping with her father. After surgery attempts proved unsuccessful, she was pronounced brain dead four days later. “I have come to understand that God didn’t want her to suffer…so God brought her home,” said Lena’s mother, 50-year-old Hazelee Moultrie.

When Lena’s family was approached about donation, they did not have to think long. Hazelee recalled, “It was the best decision I ever made. Lena was a special person, always able to reach out to others.” She continues to do so today, bringing life to four people through her donated heart, liver and kidneys. It brings her family special joy to know that her heart was given to another 11-year old girl who suffered from a congenital heart defect. Lena’s memory not only lives on in her family’s hearts, but through the recipient in which her heart beats.

In her hometown of Kingston, Hazelee found a family that she never knew she had. The town dedicated a memorial stage, called “Lena’s Imagination,” where members of the community may visit and spend a peaceful moment. Lena’s school also honored her memory by dedicating a peace pole on graduation day.

Hazelee and her family have become strong advocates for donation. They have shared Lena’s story with the local media to keep her memory alive and to inspire others to donate life. Although they have just started a new journey in their lives and miss Lena deeply, Hazelee and her family know that Lena left behind a legacy – the gift of life reflected in the four people she saved.