Camille Nighthorse rides the Donate Life Float in honor of her brother, organ donor Wabeyuma Walker. "My brother, from the Hualapai and Hopi Tribes of Arizona, became our hero," said Camille. "His death did have a purpose in giving life to others."

Camille and Wabeyuma's Story

On February 9, 2004, 31-year old Wabeyuma Walker was the victim of a knife attack while waiting for a bus in Long Beach, CA. His sister, Camille Nighthorse, drove anxiously from Phoenix with their mother and her husband to see him in the hospital, not knowing his condition.

Upon arriving at his room in St. Mary’s Hospital, they were stunned to see him on life support. “It didn’t seem real,” says Camille. “I gently touched his face as I spoke, letting him know we were there. We noticed a tear roll down from his eye. His other side was covered with a large bandage.

“We began to realize the seriousness of his injury and anticipated the worst. Early the next morning, as I touched his arm and spoke to him, my mom and I felt his spirit leaving us for the Spirit World.”

Shortly after, the doctor told Camille and her mother what they already knew -- Wabeyuma had no brain activity. “Without thinking, I simply asked, ‘How can we donate his heart?’ recalls Camille. “Surprising myself, I felt like my brother had put the idea in my head. I turned to my mom for her response. We both felt this is what my brother wanted -- to save someone else’s life even though someone took his. It felt so natural, we never questioned this decision.”

“Being in tune with Wabeyuma’s spirit helped me move on. He would be saving more than one life and it has given us comfort that others can enjoy extended lives with their families. Transplant is a wonderful blessing. It really blessed our lives and helped us go through the mourning process quicker.”

With the hope of one day meeting Wabeyuma’s heart recipient, Camille’s prayers were answered. The day after Thanksgiving in 2005, Julio Jara and his family from Los Angeles met with Camille and her family in Phoenix. “My brother always had a humble spirit and a great heart. It brings me great joy to know that his heart lives on and that because of him, Julio now lives a healthier life and is there for his family. My brother, from the Hualapai and Hopi Tribes of Arizona, became our hero. His death did have a purpose -- in giving life to others.”

Camille is the mother of eight and lives in Cave Creek, AZ. She gives educational presentations at area high schools on behalf of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.