Chantal Martinez-Murray

Type of Donation:          organs and tissue

Age and Location:          Age 39 – Bakersfield, CA

Donation Date:             1/23/2017

Sponsor:                   Honored by JJ's Legacy

CHANTAL’S STORY

Chantal Yvette Martinez-Murray was born on January 3, 1978 and tragically passed away on January 23, 2017. During her 39 years, she lived every day to the fullest. Always confident and outgoing, she connected with anyone and everyone. Her love for life, food, friends, traveling, entertaining and family was infectious. Her unique laugh, ability to talk straight, and endless dance parties left too many memories to share, and she will live on forever in her loved ones' hearts. The birth of her daughter Hanah was the proudest moment of her life. She was a devoted and loving mother. As Hanah has blossomed into a young woman, Chantal's constant guidance has turned Hanah into the strong, brave daughter she is today.

The day Chantal passed away, her family found out she was an organ donor. Finding this out brought a ray of light to a very dark time in their lives. Chantal was able to donate both of her kidneys, tissues, liver, lungs, and heart. The gift of life Chantal was able to give to these individuals is something that brings so much peace to her family.

As with life, everything comes full circle. Chantal loved the Rose Parade and had one of the most memorable trips of her life in the 7th grade when she was able to head to Pasadena in an RV and experience New Year's Day with the floats. To have her be an honoree for JJ's Legacy's "Legacy of Humankindness" is truly a blessing and a testament to the way Chantal lived her life.