Her two children, Joey and Ashley, were the center of Mary Jo Gase's world. She enjoyed spending time with them and was their biggest supporter, attending all of their sporting activities. Mary grew up in the small town of Norway, Iowa. After high school, she became a successful hair stylist at JCPenney for more than 20 years. In April 2011, Mary suffered a brain aneurysm and died. She was 44. Joey and Ashley decided to donate her organs and tissues, saving and healing many lives.

Mary Jo's Story

Her two children, Joey and Ashley, were the center of Mary Jo Gase's world. She enjoyed spending time with them and was their biggest supporter, attending all of their sporting activities. Ashley excelled at national cheerleading, basketball and played on a state champion soccer team. Joey was a racecar driver and is now active with NASCAR.

Growing up in the small town of Norway, Iowa, Mary was elected prom queen her senior year. After high school, she attended Capri College and became a successful hair stylist at JCPenney for more than 20 years. She was great at her job and developed close relationships with many of her customers.

One day in April 2011, Mary had spent most of the time with her family. That evening, Joey was going to ask a girl to prom, and Mary gave him money to buy flowers. Their final words were "I love you."

That night, Mary died from a brain aneurysm. She was 44. While she was on life support, Joey and Ashley decided to donate her organs and tissues. According to her children, Mary "would have been very happy to know that she was able to help many people by donating her organs and tissues."

Although they miss their mom very much, Joey and Ashley know she is watching over them from heaven and that she is still living on in her recipients.