Maegan Ariana Yeakley of Oklahoma City was the first of four children for Rusty and Marilyn. She had beautiful olive skin, dark brown hair and long, brown eyelashes. At only two months old, she was diagnosed with a pre-birth brain injury that required a shunt to be placed in her head. More than a year later, the week before Christmas 2003, Maegan's shunt quit working properly and she stopped breathing. As registered organ donors all of their adult lives, her parents did not hesitate to donate her organs and saved the lives of three children and two adults.

Megan's Story

Maegan Ariana Yeakley was a 16-month-old baby girl with beautiful olive skin, dark brown hair and long, brown eyelashes. As the first of four children for her parents Rusty and Marilyn, every milestone she surpassed was a celebrated event.

Diagnosed with a pre-birth brain injury at two months old, Maegan required a shunt to be placed in her head. The condition meant she would have numerous physical limitations to overcome. Rusty and Marilyn began working on an extensive rehabilitation program to help her disabilities and she was making wonderful progress. "As parents, we were determined to give her every opportunity we possibly could," they said.

Maegan remained happy and was always smiling. She loved to go outside and the wind on her face made her laugh. She also giggled when going up and down elevators and enjoyed balloons. Everyone who came in contact with Maegan loved her immediately.

The week before Christmas 2003, Maegan became ill. Before it was discovered that her shunt had quit working properly, she stopped breathing and was gone. As registered organ donors all of their adult lives, Rusty and Marilyn did not hesitate to donate Maegan's organs. "We take solace in knowing that our daughter's gift of life through organ donation helped five individuals – three children and two adults – giving them the chance for a better life."