Joseph Quiambao was born on October 30, 1997. He was a happy, laughing baby who smiled even when he was sleeping. On March 2, 1998, four-month-old Joseph was rushed to the hospital after a tragic accident. “The next day, my mom found a man who had just returned from Lourdes, France, with healing water and holy oil to bless Joseph,” said his mother, Bernadette Tohtsoni. “After praying the rosary, this gentleman told me, ‘A miracle will take place, but I can’t say what it is at this point. Only you will know when it happens.’”

On March 4, doctors determined that Joseph was brain dead, and his family was given the opportunity to say their good-byes. “While I was alone, holding Joseph in my arms, I heard someone enter the room,” Bernadette recalled. “From the corner of my eye, I saw a nun dressed in a Franciscan habit with a black, brown and white striped mantle. I never saw her face. She laid her hand on my right shoulder and told me, “As my son suffered for the sins of the world, your son will deliver them to His kingdom.’ The room was filled with the fragrance of roses.

“My father walked in and said, ‘Strong aroma like roses in here.’ I said, ‘Dad, a nun was just in here, can you ask her what her name is?’ But my dad told me, ‘Honey, nobody has been in here at all.’ At that moment, the organ donor coordinator came into the room and introduced herself. I told her to bring whatever paperwork was needed for me to sign.”

Joseph’s gift of life saved two baby girls. His heart was transplanted in Denver and his liver was sent to San Francisco. “The infant in Denver was placed on the waiting list the day before. She was the ‘the miracle’ I was waiting for.”