When Colleen Sasso, a registered nurse and mother of 19-year old Sharon, received the call that every parent dreads, she and her family knew exactly what to do, as they had previously discussed organ donation. Colleen has turned her tragedy into a life-giving and life-changing experience, not only volunteering for organ donation groups, but also serving on the Board of Directors of the California Transplant Donor Network and president of TRIO SF -- The City Chapter

Colleen's Story

During our journey in this life we all have many different names: brother, sister, aunt, uncle, daughter, son. But the name that I have always loved more than any other is “Mom”. Though my path has not been unfettered by mistakes, my children have truly been the reason to strive to be the best that I can.

So, on that fateful night that I received the phone call that all parents pray they will never get, you could have gently breathed on me and I would have collapsed. As a registered nurse by profession, I knew too well the outcome that was to follow. My beautiful nineteen year old daughter, Sharon, was on her last journey on this earth. Our family knew that organ donation was what Sharon wanted, so, despite the tragedy of the circumstances, we knew what to do.

Little did we know at that time how significantly our lives would be changed! We have joined the elite family of transplantation -- a family that continues to grow and encompass people from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique experience to add to this “Circle of Life”.

Over the last six years I have had the opportunity to spread the word about organ donation through volunteer work with California Transplant Donor Network. I have served on the Board of Directors of CTDN, been a member of TRIO International and TRIO SF – The City Chapter in addition to president of the latter for the last two years. Joining my daughter, Audrey, at the U.S. Transplant Games in 2002 and 2004, has been the epitome of celebrating the joy of the transplant experience. Cheering on the recipients, and of course their donors, at this phenomenal event is truly life-changing! Professionally I have had the privilege to make presentations to healthcare professionals about my personal journey in the world of organ donation. And, personally, I use every opportunity possible to spread the word to “Donate Life”.

My life has been forever changed as a result of losing my young daughter – that goes without saying! But the doors that opened to new paths in this life have paved the way for bonds of joy and love, sometimes sprinkled with tears, and a zest to do all that we can to promote organ and tissue donation awareness.