Lilah Grace Shnurman

Type of Donation:       organs and tissue

Age and Location:      Age 9 days - Cumming, IA

Donation Date:           9/07/2018

Sponsor:                      Honored by Iowa Donor Network

LILAH’S STORY

“We found out at 13 weeks that our baby girl would not survive due to the diagnosis of anencephaly.” Lilah’s mother, Jessica, recalls. “My husband and I saw at later ultrasounds that her organs were perfect and made the decision to allow her to be an organ donor.”

The Shnurman’s daughter, Lilah, was born August 29, 2018. They were able to take Lilah home and she lived for 9 days. Her days were spent being held and loved by family and friends. Her big brother, Abel, was constantly kissing, hugging, and holding her. All she knew in her short lifetime was love and laughter. Lilah passed away September 7, 2018 and was able to donate her heart valves for future transplant. Her lungs were donated to research at the University of Iowa. Infant heart valves are extremely rare and very much in need. Just as important, organs such as lungs for research are critical to curing diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Jessica says, “In our darkest of times during this pregnancy, we had hope because we knew Lilah would be able to make an impact and leave a beautiful legacy. We are honored to share Lilah's story to allow others to understand how impactful and beneficial the gift of organ and tissue donation can be for the donor family.”