2016 Floragraph Honorees
Meet our heroic organ, eye and tissue donors.
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Alex Guedea always had a love for seeing other people laughing and enjoying life. He enjoyed making people smile and doing random things for others just to see them happy. Alex was at the young age of 21 when his life was tragically cut short. For his family, the decision to donate was an easy and unanimous one. Based on the life Alex had lived, they knew he would want to be allowed to give a lifesaving gift to others. Now the Guedeas educate and inspire others on Alex’s behalf in order to save more lives. For them, donation isn’t just for the recipients; it is just as much a gift for those left behind.
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Amber was an avid reader who loved to make crafts and was gifted in taking nothing and making something pretty out of it. She had a passion for working with children and dreamed to return to school to learn American Sign Language and serve as an interpreter for special needs children. “I always treasured the smile my daughter radiated. It reflected so much love for others,” recalls Amber Madsen’s mom, Avis Smith-Moore. “She was such a giver. It was no surprise to me she had signed up to be a donor. She always said if something happened to her, she’d want someone else to be blessed and benefit.”
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Andrew was an exceptional eight-year-old. He touched many lives while he was alive by sharing the Lord and being phenomenal at every sport he played. Andrew loved basketball, baseball, and golf. When he wasn’t on a sports field, he was beating his dad and uncle in chess. He was such a good player that he could checkmate his opponent in just 4 moves with “Fool’s Mate”. Andrew lived a full life but he is greatly missed in the neighborhood by both adults and children alike. His family is proud to say that he’s touched even more lives in death through the donation of his corneas and a heart valve.
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At 17 years-old, Andrew Jova was a normal kid, about to start his senior year at Brick Township High School. Andrew was very active; he loved to play golf, lacrosse and football and spent time at the local skate park riding his bike. On August 23, 2008, Andrew was involved in an accident and passed away mere days later. After being told Andrew would not survive, the Jovas thought of the many people waiting for a miracle to happen, so they made the decision to donate. This has become a way for them to honor and remember Andrew and all he had to offer, knowing if the choice was his to make, he would have chosen the same.
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Betsy was a vibrant and loving woman. She was a giver throughout her 60 years of life and was famous for finding the perfect gift for each occasion. On March 30, 2011, Betsy was walking to catch the train to work in the city and was hit by a van just yards short of the Upper Montclair train station. The following day, Betsy passed away as a result of a serious head injury. The theme of Betsy’s eulogy was: "THE EXACT RIGHT GIFT AT THE EXACT RIGHT TIME", because on the day she died, Betsy gave two complete strangers the exact gift they needed: her kidneys. In doing so, she gave them each another chance at life.
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Brent Christopher Covington was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and fellow worker. He loved sports, the outdoors, family game night, everything Disney, and most of all, Brent loved his family deeply. As a corrections officer, Brent’s co-workers have expressed that he was well-liked and respected. In July of 2015 at 40 years of age, Brent took his own life. It was a shocking tragedy for all who knew and loved him. Brent’s life inspired so many while he was alive that it was comforting to his family to know, that while his death was tragic, his life would continue to touch others. His donations will be a blessing to many more lives for years to come.
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Brian will always be remembered for his kind smile, caring heart, quick wit, and dry sense of humor. He had numerous friends and fans from all walks of life. After receiving his BS in Criminal Justice from the University of North Alabama, Brian eventually worked his way up to becoming corporal for the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. After a horrific motorcycle accident, Brian was pronounced brain dead. Throughout his stay in the hospital, Brian was visited by many friends, family members, colleagues, and victims whom he had helped throughout his career. Brian was a registered donor, telling his wife, “When I’m gone, make sure everything I have can go to someone that needs it. I want someone to have a second chance at life.”
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Seventeen year old Brice made the decision to become a donor after witnessing a family friend save lives. “I would like to be like Big Gabe-I would like to help others too!” he told his mother. A month later, a car accident took Brice’s life and Brice’s family found themselves back in the same room Big Gabe held. Knowing their son’s decision to save others with his gifts of life, Brice’s parents supported donation. After 4 days of waiting, it was discovered that Brice’s rare blood type matched with a man in need of lifesaving gifts. Although Brice is gone, his gifts of life live on in Jim (a 2016 Float Rider).
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Charles was born with a condition called Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia which causes a skull bone overgrowth. This condition can lead to problems with vision, hearing, and breathing. Due to his condition, Charles was constantly visiting the doctor for treatment, sometimes 4 times a week. However, he never complained. He grew to be a smart and happy boy who liked to study. Charles was ambitious and friendly to anyone who knew him. He lived to be six years old. When he passed away, his family decided to donate his organs as a way to keep Charles alive. Through the donation process Charles saved three lives.
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Even as a young child, Chris loved life and was always joking around. He grew up collecting Hot Wheels, he played softball and football, and loved fast cars and fishing. Chris dreamed of joining the United States Air Force and one day becoming a firefighter. Chris always wanted to help others. After a car accident left Chris in the ICU for three days, his mother decided that if Chris could not help people during his life, she would fulfill his wishes in his death. Chris went on to save several lives by donating his kidneys, liver, heart valves and corneas.
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Connor was a precious gift of joy and life. His charm, humor, charismatic personality, generosity and his love for God and his family left an undeniable imprint on every person he touched. Connor lived life all in with a heart wide open. He stayed active in outside sports and was a talented musician who shared his life through his music. During the final days of his life, Connor made the selfless decision to become an organ donor. His death was a heartbreaking tragedy for his family, that was only made better by the sight of the helicopters taking his organs to those who needed them. Connor lives on eternally in heaven with Christ, but he also lives on in the lives of four other people through his gift of life.
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Cory Tarrant was living a beautiful life filled with so much love, fun and excitement. He was respected and admired by so many for his positive outlook on life and his ability to always lift up his friends. He had a beautiful eye for photography, with nature being a favored subject, but his true passion was for motocross. On June 24, 2012, Cory suffered a fall while riding his bike and never regained consciousness. He passed away six days later. His parents honored his wishes to become a donor and Cory made the gift of his tissues and corneas, a decision they have never regretted.
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Courtney Sterling was an outgoing and friendly freshman at Lumberton High School, in Texas. Wise beyond her years, many of her friends would go to her for advice with their life problems. She was active in her school’s Color Guard and played the flute in the band. Courtney loved the outdoors, especially the beach, boating and four-wheel riding in the mud with her friends. In February 2014, Courtney was driving with her sister and mother when their car was hit by a speeding driver. The accident killed Courtney’s pregnant sister, Connely, and put her mother, Dawn, in the hospital. Amidst this great tragedy, Courtney's father Michael made the decision to donate his daughter's organs. Because of that decision, Courtney helped save 5 lives.
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With a heart as big as Texas, David Fox built his life around helping others. As a man committed to service, David started his mission serving the country in the United States Marine Corps before finding his calling as a firefighter. Throughout his adult life, he touched many through his service to the community, and he fought bravely and selflessly alongside his fellow firefighters, being honored with many awards along the way. In February 2013, David passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Even in death, his life-saving legacy lives on through his powerful gift of tissue donation which served as his last act of kindness to others. Through his gift of donation, David has touched the lives of over 80 recipients in 22 states.
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Debbie Botelho enjoyed making people laugh and she was the type of person that wanted to save the world. When Debbie learned her father was in need of a liver transplant, she was tested to be a living donor. Unfortunately, her liver was not of the same “stature” and she was unable to donate a portion of her liver to her father. Three weeks later, on July 28, 2006, Debbie passed away; she had registered herself to be a donor only six months earlier. Debbie’s corneas have helped two women in California and another fifty individuals across the country have received transplants with Debbie’s donated tissue.
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Diana was a creative, vivacious, adventurous woman who intended to live to 108 years old. She took up scuba at 73, traveled avidly, adored her dogs and enjoyed music of all types. She had even made plans to fulfill a long held dream by spending her 77th birthday (Oct. 2015) learning Italian in Florence, Italy. She was a sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, but most of all matriarch to her family. Quite suddenly and unexpectedly, on the day after Mother’s Day 2015, she had a massive cerebral hemorrhage. Diana had signed up to be a donor years ago at the DMV. Although she wasn’t able to donate her brain for research as she had wanted, her loving, kind and generous spirit lives on in the two lives that were saved with her liver and kidney.
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Donna Lee Jones Moritsugu was a vibrant, friendly, and outgoing person, who cared for others in everything she did. Trained as a classical ballet dancer, she had been invited to pursue her career with the Royal Ballet. A loving and devoted wife, and an accomplished professional, she was truly the wind beneath the wings of her husband. Donna’s life was lost in a tragic automobile accident, not even half a mile from home. Previous discussions with her husband led him to donate her organs and tissue. Her family was able to take solace and comfort in their tragic loss, knowing that Donna’s legacy would live on in those who received her gifts of life.
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Doug was loved by all who knew him. Born and raised in southern Indiana, Doug worked as an account manager and was a strong advocate for animal rights. He was smart, funny and an independent individual who took pride in taking life by the mantle and caring for his four nieces. When Doug passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism, it came as a terrible shock to his family. Although he will forever be missed, Doug’s family is proud of his selfless decision to become a registered donor. Both Doug’s musculoskeletal and eye tissue were used to help over 95 recipients from 23 different states and several countries.
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Erma was a fun-loving wife, mother and sister. She enjoyed working for the City of San Marino's preschool and library. She loved her family, Hosea Chapel Church, friends, dancing and giving to others. On May 27, 2012, she suffered a brain aneurysm and was later pronounced brain dead. Through her prior decision to be an organ donor, Erma was able to donate her kidneys, liver and tissue. Her family believes that although she is absent in body, she is rejoicing in heaven for the lives that were prolonged through God's plan. Matthew 10:8 "Give as freely as you have received."
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Evelyn “Evie” Grace Kittle was the light and love of her parents’ lives. From the moment Evie first made her presence known, her family fell in love with her. While being carried by her mother, doctors shared the news that Evie had several congenital defects and complications. On April 4, 2015, Evie was born and took her first breath at 6:48 am, perfect in all ways other than her heart and lungs, which were incompatible with life. At 7:46 am the same day, Evie passed away and was able to donate her viable organs. Evelyn Grace was an angel, a princess, and a hero.
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When Gail Aglaia Givoglu journeyed home on February 2, 2015, she left this world a better place than she found it. Part owner of the successful Mediterranean restaurant, Mediterranean Blue, Gail was loved by all who knew her. She was humble about her restaurant’s success and treated all of her customers as family. Gail loved traveling, the theatre, and movies where she would often be seen donning her signature red lipstick. Gail was truly a local treasure, known for her bright smile and hospitality. Her light continues to shine as she gave the gift of sight to two people through cornea donation and helped countless others through tissue donation.
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George was a simple and hard-working man who loved talking and making new friends. He always had a kind word or a simple ‘hello, how are you,’ to those walking down the street. His family nicknamed him “The Town’s Newspaper,” because he knew what was going on around town before they could tell him. On July 5, 2009 the lives of his family were turned upside down when George was a victim of a homicide. George's heart was gratefully received by a man in Galveston, TX. George's sister, Alice, said, "Donation is a miracle that allows that person to continue living."
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Giving life and inspiring others was nothing new to Hally Nicole Yust. In the 9 years she was here on earth, Hally was continually filling her home, her school, her friends, and those she served with energy, color, and a drive to give. She had a passion for basketball, competitive water skiing, and spreading the word of God. After a tiny amoeba entered Hally’s body and took her life here on earth, her parents knew that they wanted her to continue to give life to others through organ donation. Hally's life continues not only through her donated kidneys but also her ministry team and a woman’s basketball scholarship to Kansas State University in her honor.
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Ian Heidemann had an adventurous spirit, wonderful smile, never judged others, often accepted people into his group of friends if they were alone, and was always down to do something for others. His motto might have been "What's the plan? Let's do it!" Ian passed away near his family home and became the donor of his right hand, both kidneys, his heart, both lungs, his pancreas, liver, both corneas and countless tissue. Ian’s family hopes that if others could see donation through their eyes, people wouldn't hesitate to register and tell others about the wonderful gifts that one decision can make possible.
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Jennifer Louise “Biffer” Spurgeon loved life. When she giggled everyone around her would soon be laughing with her. She always found the good in everyone and everything. She had dreams of becoming a veterinarian and having a family. At the time of her tragic death, Jennifer was beginning to realize her dream. Jennifer’s decision to be an organ and tissue donor provided hope and healing for others. Betty received Jennifer’s right kidney after being on the transplant list for five years and 17 year old Zac was able to finish high school and go on to play sports in college after receiving Jennifer’s left kidney.
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Jesse loved the Lord with all his heart, and everything he did was a result of that. Jesse played just about anything that involved a ball, was the tuba player for the school band, and was an overall passionate leader. He had a charismatic personality, connected easily with people, and loved his family and friends deeply and showed the love of Christ practically. The last year of his life was filled with many special things from meeting his girlfriend Amy to graduating from high school. When Jesse was pronounced brain dead, his father knew what to do based off a previous conversation he’d had with Jesse about organ donation. “I won’t need them anymore”, Jesse said. “What good will they do me?
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Eighteen-year-old Jonathan “Ribs” Madrid had a great sense of humor and brightened a room like a ray of sunshine. He had always been a caring, giving and loving person, so when he registered as an organ donor on his driver’s license, it was no surprise to his family. Jonathan loved football and his football family was a big part of his life. That’s where he met his best friend Dominic and his father Willie, who coached their football team. It was difficult for Jonathan and the team to see the Willie’s declining health. When, Jonathan passed in August 2015, they wanted to know if Jonathan’s liver could be transplanted into his best friend’s father. Willie and four others received life saving transplants from Jonathan. Two people gained sight and his donated tissue has helped many. Johnathan’s love and legacy for life will live on.
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Jose was born in México on June 22, 1984 and came to live in Los Angeles, CA when he was 15 years old. Jose was the oldest of three children and always loved school. One of his goals was to study to be a psychologist. As an adult, he became an activist, a defender of immigrant and worker’s rights. He fought for better working conditions for day laborers and for those who worked in car washes. One of his many achievements was the unionization of three car washes in Los Angeles. His final fight for justice was stopping the eviction of many families from their homes. On March 19, 2012, Jose was found unconscious in the snow while skiing with friends. When OneLegacy approached Catalina and her family about donation, they felt helping others after death would be the best way to honor Jose’s legacy since advocating for others was his life’s work.
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At seventeen “Katie” Barton was a beautiful young woman, full of life with a world of possibilities just beginning to unfold. She was looking forward to her senior year at the new, Powhatan High School. She was working at a local daycare, where she was loved and greatly appreciated. It was Katie’s desire to be an organ donor. This was a carefully considered decision, and her last wish has enriched many lives. Katie donated her heart, a kidney, liver, and her corneas. As an organ donor, she provided another gift, by connecting her family to the incredible people within the donate Life family.
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Kevin was a genuinely warm and kind person and had a smile that lit up a room. He loved to laugh and perform his famous magic tricks. Kevin had a deep love for his family and friends and was looking forward to starting a family of his own someday. Kevin was a skilled cable technician who was held in high regards by his peers and clients. On September 10, 2014, Kevin fell from his ladder while at work and two days later, he passed away. Through organ donation, Kevin is able to continue working his magic. A 2 year old boy is now running and playing after receiving Kevin’s right kidney; the man who received his left kidney and liver is thriving; and his heart recipient was able to walk five miles just nine months after transplant. Kevin’s family says, “Giving life to others is the perfect way for Kevin to continue his journey.”
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On July 31, 2011, Kevin Daniel “Sunshine” Yates was on his way home from work. As he traveled on Highway 153 in Chattanooga, TN, he was hit by a drunk driver who was traveling north in the southbound lane divided by a concrete-barrier. Kevin died 31 hours later, and gave the most selfless gifts in the end. Kevin was able to save the lives of four people with his liver, kidneys, pancreas, and heart and enhance the lives of countless others with his tissue and bone donation. More than that, Kevin’s mother and brother started a nonprofit called 1N3 to educate people on the dangers of driving while drunk. Kevin’s drunk driver now serves as a spokesperson for the organization and over 3 million people have been touched by Kevin’s story, the dangers of drunk driving and the healing power of organ donation.
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Lauren was wise beyond her years and child-like in spirit. An honor roll student who was involved in everything, Lauren wanted to become a writer and was just starting to think about getting her driver’s license. While getting ready to go on stage to sing, she started to have a really bad headache. She was taken to the hospital and her family was told that she had suffered a stroke. Within thirty hours, she was gone. Lauren’s mother said, “Even if Lauren hadn’t told me she wanted to be a donor, we would have done it anyways because she was such a giving person and that’s how she lived her life. She lived to make a difference in people’s lives. We are so proud that she did.”
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Lynden Bell was a compassionate twenty-four-year-old young man who was encouraging and empowering to everyone he met. He happily greeted people with a smile - and had a way to make anyone feel better. Music, poetry, playing and coaching street basketball are just a few of the hobbies he loved. Family came first to Lynden, and he would always make time for them. In 2012, the day before Thanksgiving, Lynden was walking from his home in Longview, TX to his girlfriend’s house, which was just a mile away, when he was struck by a drunk driver. Amidst this great tragedy, Lynden’s mother LeNay Okeke made the decision to donate her son’s organs to help others. He was not a registered donor, however, LeNay knew “beyond a shadow of a doubt he would have wanted to help others by giving to those in need. It was his dream to be epic and make a difference in life.”
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Lyndsey was the youngest of three girls, born January 20, 2006. She was a vibrant and loving baby girl who was always caught smiling. On May 7, 2007, Lyndsey was found unresponsive in a nearby pond. On May 8th she was pronounced brain dead. Dozens of family members and friends visited her PICU room to say their goodbyes. When approached about the opportunity to donate, Lyndsey’s mother, Jamie, knew that if the roles were reversed, she would want someone to help her child. Lyndsey donated her kidneys, liver, and two heart valves to save a 36 year old woman, a 3 year old boy, and two baby girls. Lyndsey’s life was short, but her contributions to the world were great.
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Kelley Chase was a hero in many ways. He served in the air force as a hero for his country. He was a community hero joining the Oklahoma City police department. Kelley was even a hero to his wife, Elke, and two children, Kyle and Alesia. Even during his time of death, Kelley’s heroism was evident with his decision to be an organ donor. Kelley had been registered to be an organ donor for years. Through his donation, six lives were saved, including 2016 float rider Ralph Howell, who received Kelley’s heart.
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Marina was a beautiful, vibrant 13-year-old young lady full of love, life and energy. Marina was enthusiastic about organ donation, telling her mother, “If you were already gone, why wouldn’t you want to save someone’s life? If anything ever happens to me, I want to be an organ donor.” Marina was thoughtful and shared laughter and joy wherever she went. She was able to save the lives of 4 individuals through her gift of 5 organs - her heart, liver, both kidneys and pancreas. Also, two people who were unable to see were given the gift of sight by Marina, and are now able to witness the beauty around them. Countless others were touched by her gift of tissues.
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Marley Sirjane had a huge heart and a zest for life that gave all those around her energy. Marley packed a lot of love, life and adventure into her short 18 years. For her, there were no road blocks, only hurdles. She relished in supporting the 'underdog' in every aspect of her life. On the morning of her death, Marley’s heart was filled with passion, love, and happiness as evidenced by her non-stop captivating smile and big radiant blue eyes. This is how her family will remember her. Her ‘gifts of life’ sustains her family in knowing that she continues to smile, laugh and care through others still walking on this earth.
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Matthew will be remembered by his family and friends for his beautiful smile. He was outgoing, personable, and loyal with a passion for both playing and watching sports. At just 21 years of age, Matthew was involved in a car accident that caused damage to his brain. Upon hearing that he would not survive, his mother, a surgical recovery room nurse, immediately requested that his organs be donated. Matthew’s heart, kidney, liver, tissue, bone, and corneas were all donated to help save the lives of those in need. Through receiving Matthew’s heart, recipient Raymond Stelly lived four more years, where he was able to walk two daughters down the aisle and see the birth of 2 grandchildren.
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Meagan Rickman once told a doctor that she was the “sickest, healthiest kid he would ever take care of.” Her attitude was infectious and impacted all of those fortunate to know her. Born with a rare heart defect, she had her first heart transplant at nine weeks of age and her second when she was 12. Meagan was on the waiting list for her third heart transplant at the time of her death. But her health problems didn’t define her. “While she had immense hope for her future, she knew that she didn’t want to waste a moment,” said Holly Nix, Meagan’s mother.
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Michael was generous in life and truly giving in death. He lived an active life with a passion for sports and travel. As a USC alumni, he worked as a senior level 2 engineer for Raytheon in the Space and Airborne Systems division. He had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, and a sarcastic wit. At the young age of 29, Michael died suddenly and very unexpectedly from an enlarged heart. Due to his selfless decision to become an organ donor, Michael’s tissue donation was used to create over 66 grafts for hip revisions, spinal fusions, laminectomies, and ACL repairs in 7 states throughout the country. One of his grateful recipients wrote, “It was a life changing gift that allows for a normal life.”
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Michael Robles was a family man known for his yard work, the flower arrangements he bought at the local flower shop (the florists knew him by name), and for being one of the first in the small town of Delano, California to own a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. When his granddaughter was born, he took on a fatherly role – doting on her, making sure she was cared for and her needs were met. His passing of a sudden heart attack at the age of 53 left a void in his close, loving family. But, despite their grief, they didn’t hesitate to say “yes” when asked about organ donation. Michael’s wife, Linda, turned to his brother and sister to help her decide, and they all knew what his answer would be. “Mike would definitely do this,” they said.
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Nathan Rey Guerrero was a typical, happy 10-year-old boy, full of energy and life. He was friends with everyone. His parents, Linda and Pete, remember his love for meeting new people and making friends wherever he went. Many of the activities he enjoyed were things he could do with those he loved - like practicing football, baseball and even cooking. He enjoyed working on his family farm and loved the outdoors, including going horseback riding, camping and hunting alongside his father. Nathan loved the Lord and he was not ashamed to say it, wear it and proclaim it. Amidst the great tragedy of his death, Nathan’s character continued to be revealed; he was a true giver. The Guerrero’s decision to donate their son’s organs saved the lives of five others.
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Oceana, or Oci, as her mother called her, was a caring and selfless girl who was already ahead of her age. She was a deep thinker who cared about the environment and loved to learn. Oci was passionate, imaginative, and artistic, but most of all, she was happy. She was her father’s daughter, in that everything they did together was an adventure. Oci never had the opportunity to think about organ donation, but when her mother, Rebecca, was faced with the decision, she said out of everything, it was the easiest decision to make. While Oci and her father, Ommy, continue their adventure after life, with the gifts they gave, others can now begin adventures of their own.
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God, family and love of his country were Ommy’s priorities. He was an excellent soldier who would do anything for the ones he loved and whatever he could for complete strangers. Ommy had a magnetic personality. To know him, truly was to love him. He was extremely artistic and creative, qualities he passed down to his daughter, Oci. Everything they did together was an adventure. When the time came, Ommy knew he wanted to donate his organs. His wife, Rebecca, said out of everything, it was the easiest decision to make. Ommy and his daughter, Oci, continue their adventure after life, however, with the gifts they gave, others can now begin their own adventures.
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Patricia passed away and donated her organs on September 19, 2013. It was a very sad day for her family, especially, her sister Barbara. The family found solace in knowing that while they were mourning, two other families were rejoicing. Patricia’s kidney and liver saved two lives that day. Pat was a very caring and unselfish woman. She always put her family and others needs before her own. Before she passed away, she had taken up the mantle to care for her mother for five years. On June 3, 2015, their mother passed away, joining Pat in everlasting peace.
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Peleiupu "Leo" Leiataua was a gentle giant at 6-foot-2, and though he seemed intimidating at first glance, he always went out of his way to say hello to anyone he didn’t know. Leo had a big heart, but he also struggled with cardiac problems his entire life and passed away while waiting for a pacemaker. His wife Jacinta knew that Leo wanted to be a donor. He had said to her, “If I can help save somebody, why not do it?” Leo’s donation of his kidneys saved two lives. Jacinta said, “To many he was a gentle giant, to me, he was everything.”
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People recognized Robert (Bob) as a loving, caring and compassionate person who generously extended help to those in need. After graduating high school in 1963, he served as a Chaplains’ Assistant during the Vietnam War. He then went on to study sociology as Seaton Hall University where he met his wife of 43 years, Eileen. For thirty years, Bob worked for various technology companies where he achieved numerous awards as a successful sales associate. Outside of work, Bob found pleasure in watching his three children grow up and play sports. He considered his immediate and extended family as his greatest blessings. When he passed away, Bob’s family derived great comfort knowing that his tissue and cornea donations would benefit the lives of deserving individuals.
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Savannah was born on August 31st, 1996 in Fort Hood, TX. As a military child, she lived in many different places and experienced things most adults don’t get to do in a lifetime. No matter where she moved, Savannah always found a way to make friends and fit in wherever she went. She was a triple threat, participating in state competitions and leadership roles for choir, drama, and her school's dance team. She had plans of becoming a veterinarian. She always had a huge heart no matter if it was animals or people. Savannah is survived by her Father Phillip L. Robertson, Step Mother Tracy Robertson, mother Rebecca Wiles, brother Phillip P. Robertson, and countless others whose heart she's touched.
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Like her brother Charles, who passed away just a year and a half before her, Shaeine was born with a condition called Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia. However, Shaeine’s condition was worse and confined her to a wheel chair. Shaeine loved to sing and will always be remembered singing in the hallways at school and on cruise ships during family vacations. After several attempts to find a treatment for her condition, Shaeine passed away just two weeks after her ninth birthday. Her family consented to donation and both Shaeine’s kidney and pancreas were donated. A garden was built in Shaeine’s honor at school to memorize what a wonderful girl and great student she was.
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Sharon was a joyful woman who liked to joke around with her friends and family. Known for her unique laugh, Sharon liked to help people and lived life to its fullest. She loved to travel, and after the death of her daughter Megan, Sharon travelled to Pasadena to watch the Rose Parade. Sharon has always been an advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation and she made sure Megan was a donor so she could help others. When Sharon passed away from a motorcycle accident, she saved even more lives by donating her liver, corneas, and tissue. Sharon retired from the accounting department of Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina, in 2012. In her free time, she enjoyed drawing, painting, watching NASCAR and visiting friends and family.
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Shelby Rebekah Seabaugh had an enormous heart and was a woman of immense faith. As a student at Ouachita Baptist University, Shelby volunteered her time by visiting the on campus health clinic and sitting with patients. She spent her summers volunteering at Camp Siloam inspiring youth. When Shelby passed away she was at the happiest point in her life, because she had spent her last days with those she loved, her family, her fiancé, and her friends. Years before her death, Shelby had made the decision to become a registered donor. She would be proud to know that her corneas and donated tissue were given to improve the lives of many.
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Artist, rapper and above all, a selfless giver, Sisto would routinely grow his hair out in order to donate it to Locks of Love for cancer patients. “He was a loving and caring person,” said Sisto’s brother, Freddie Fuentes. “He was 31 years old at the time of his donation and he saved my friend, George Grimm, by donating his heart and one of his kidneys. In addition to saving George, we are told that his other organs saved 3 other people and countless others were helped by his cornea and tissue donation.”
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Tom was very family oriented, hardworking, and always willing to help and give to those in need. His passions in life were camping, dirt bike riding, fishing, and helping others. Tom’s relationship with organ donation began in 1998 when his brother-in-law, Elliott, became the recipient of a transplant. Through this experience, he began actively advocating for organ donation. At age 54, Tom was able to give the most unselfish gifts to individuals in need. He was able to donate his heart, tissue, kidneys and liver. His corneas and one of his lungs were also donated to research. This experience has been both bittersweet and difficult for his family but in the end, very rewarding.
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Growing up, Trevin was the boy in the neighborhood that everyone wanted to hang out with. He was such a gentle and kind soul. His mother knew he was special from the moment he was born. When he passed away on October 31, 2011, it changed his mother, Renee’s, life forever. She agreed to donation without really understanding the impact it would have on her. When Renee received a letter stating Trevin’s organs were used to save four people’s lives, Renee knew she had done the right thing. Since then, she has been committed to telling her son’s story and advocating for donation. “It’s bittersweet,” Renee said. “I am honored to be a donor’s mom”.
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Tyler Joseph Monroe Andrews loved being around his family and friends. He was constantly dependable, kind-hearted, truly compassionate and would drop all to help a friend in need. Tyler encouraged people to do their best in all things. He had a beautiful smile that he loved to share with people. He laughed. He loved. He enjoyed life. A few days after he had turned 18, he signed up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. In March 2012, a month and 4 days before he turned 19, he lost his life in a vehicular accident. After his death, he became a bone, skin, vein and cornea donor and continues to enhance the lives of many.
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Dr. Vance LeCrone was a handsome, 43 year old devoted husband, loving father of three, and faithful son and brother. Vance was a deeply generous man and found great joy in giving to and helping those in need. On July 28, 2014, he collapsed while exercising. Eight days later, he passed away peacefully in his wife’s arms. Vance was a registered donor and the donation process brought meaning to his family’s grief. True to form, Vance left this world a giver and there is no question he would have had it any other way.
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Vikki Lianne Moritsugu was a sensitive, intelligent, and loving daughter and sister. At 21 years old, she was a college student who loved the classics and classical language when she was struck by a car one rainy night in Virginia. When she died, her family was unsure if she wanted to donate. Vikki’s sister remembered that just four years earlier, when their stepmother, Donna Lee Jones Moritsugu, died and donated her organs, she and Vikki discussed how so many people had benefited from Donna’s donations. They realized how the family had found comfort and solace in knowing that, despite the tragedy and grief of Donna’s death, others were able to reap the benefit of life. Vikki would have been pleased to help others and that she did.
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Yadira was born in Los Angeles, California on March 8, 1983 and was raised in Huntington Park, California. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology degree at University of California, San Diego and was planning to return to school to receive a graduate degree in social work. Her passion was to advocate for children especially those from abused homes. Yadira loved to travel. She studied abroad in countries such as France, Spain and Italy. The month before her death she had traveled to Costa Rica and was planning a trip to Russia. From a young age, Yadira was fearless. She loved roller coasters and extreme sports, such as, bungee jumping. On June 6, 2009, Yadira was in a tragic car accident and lost her life at the age of 26. When her family received the call from OneLegacy asking about tissue donation, Yadira’s mother, Graciela Ramirez, gladly honored Yadira’s wishes to be a donor.