Krista Heidinger was a teacher, basketball coach and mother who loved spending time with family and friends. In August 2009, Krista and husband Jared were awaiting the arrival of their third child. On August 26, their healthy little girl was introduced to the world. Things were well until three days later, when Krista mentioned a pain in her calf muscle. After collapsing at home, she was rushed to the hospital, where a brain scan showed massive damage caused by a pulmonary embolism. She became an organ donor candidate and her husband knew what Krista would have wanted. "I felt like if she could have spoken, she would have said, 'Jared, let's save some lives.'"

Krista's Story

Krista Heidinger was a teacher at the middle school and elementary levels. A college basketball player and later an assistant coach, she and her husband Jared worked as co-directors for NBC Basketball Camps, where 700 to 800 campers per summer learn about basketball and positive ways to live life. She was very involved in volunteer work at their local church, primarily as a leader in the Mothers of Preschoolers group. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends; great joy came to her from these things. She also had a deep faith and love for God and Jesus Christ. She showed her love for others in so many ways.

In August 2009, Krista and Jared, along with their children Jaxon and Grace (then 6 and 4) were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a third child to their family. On August 26 a healthy little girl, Sophie Faith Heidinger, was introduced to the world. Parents, siblings and family were extremely excited when Sophie arrived. There were no complications with the birth and things were well until three days later, when Krista mentioned a pain in her calf muscle. Shortly after, she was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. The doctors, nurses and paramedics used every means possible to help her, but by the next day, the brain scan showed massive damage due to lack of oxygen to her brain caused by a pulmonary embolism.

She became an organ donor candidate and her husband knew what Krista would have wanted. "Krista was a strong woman who loved people immensely," said Jared. "I felt like if she could have spoken to me she would have said, 'Jared, let's go save some lives.' We both had, and I still have, a strong belief in God."

The care she and her family gave to others has come back to them during these last two years. "There has been so much love and support for our family that I can't really put it into words," said Jared. "My co-workers, community, friends and family members have been so gracious and willing to help with whatever is needed. My family has been such an encouragement to me, and I am still very close with Krista's family as well, they are so great.

"Krista was a woman who thought that a job worth doing, is worth doing well, and I feel the same way. It is an honor for my family to participate in spreading the message of the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. It honors Krista's memory and hopefully many other people will donate when they hear hers and others' stories."