Shelby Johnson

Type of Donation:       organs and tissue

Age and Location:      Age 17 - Tecumseh, OK

Donation Date:           1/26/2019

Sponsor:                      Honored by LifeShare Transplant Services of Oklahoma

SHELBY’S STORY

Shelby Johnson, of Shawnee, OK, had a vibrant personality, and her smile and laughter could light up a room. At every opportunity, she gracefully made friends as she genuinely loved and accepted people just as they were.

Compassion spilled over into other areas of Shelby’s life, too. She served her community by volunteering in her free time at an animal shelter and public library. Through her school and college-bound program, she also volunteered in local elementary schools by reading books to students. She was an excellent student and was involved in every activity possible. Shelby aspired to go to college and study forensic science.

Shelby saw the good in others and aspired to be welcoming and make everyone feel included. As a good friend would, Shelby put others’ needs above her own. She would often go out of her way to lend an ear and be a loving friend.

When Shelby turned 16 and passed her driver’s license exam, her mom, Dana, drove her to the Tag Agency. During this drive, Dana explained to Shelby that she would be asked if she wanted to be an organ donor, and she shared what it meant and asked her to think about it during their drive.

The moment Shelby came out of the Tag Agency, she proudly exclaimed, “I did it, I’m an organ donor!” She was so excited to send a picture to her dad, showing off the little red heart and beamed with excitement to tell her grandparents, too.

Eighteen short months later, a tragic car crash took Shelby’s life. Shelby’s family knew her wishes, and because of that, there was no hesitation in fulfilling them.

Through Shelby’s death, the gift of life was offered to four others. One short conversation about donation made life possible for others waiting on a lifesaving organ transplant.