From birth, Daisy A. Lobos was a ray of sunshine. At age four, she was diagnosed with an abnormal circulatory system condition. As she grew up, her parents kept a watchful eye over her while she tried to be a "normal" kid. Daisy had her first surgery for an aneurysm when she was 11. Six years later, the same condition required a second operation, but she did not survive the surgery. Daisy saved the lives of two people through the gifts of her pancreas and kidneys. Her mother Rosa is now an active volunteer promoting organ donation in Washington, D.C.

Daisy's Story

From the time she was born, Daisy A. Lobos was a ray of sunshine to her family. She had auburn hair like many women on her mother's side. Wherever she went, people paid attention.

When she was four, doctors at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. determined that she suffered from a very abnormal circulatory system condition. From then onwards, Daisy had to see a cardiologist every six months. As Daisy grew up, she wanted very much to be a "normal" kid. Disappointed that she could not participate in contact sports, she enjoyed cheerleading. Her parents watched over her to make sure she did not overextend herself.

Daisy was also very caring person and loved her siblings very much. She loved all her cousins, and especially adored her first nephew, Dominic, whom she used to babysit.

At age 11, Daisy was rushed to Children's Hospital for her first surgery to operate on an aneurysm. Although it was a frightening time for her family, Daisy survived the surgery and recovered. She gained weight, and her nutrition improved.

Daisy blossomed into a beautiful teenager, beloved by her classmates and teachers. At age 17, another aneurysm growing in her aorta was discovered. It was a risky surgery, but there was no choice as the aneurysm threatened to rupture at any time. Daisy entered the operating room on November 15, 2000, but she never recovered. Slowly she declined to brain death.

Her parents made the decision to donate her organs. Her pancreas and one kidney saved the life of one woman, and her other kidney restored the life of a young man, both Washington, D.C. area residents.

Since Daisy's death, her mother Rosa has been an active volunteer with the Washington Regional Transplant Community to educate everyone, especially those in the Hispanic community, about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

"I am very proud of my beautiful daughter and happy that she continues to make a difference when others hear her story and register to be donors," she declared.