Clarke Dani Reese

Type of Donation:       TBD

Age and Location:      Age 13 – TBD

Donation Date:           2/25/2007

Sponsor:                      Honored by LifeNet Health

CLARKE’S STORY

From Donnette Quarles-Reese:







On a sweltering day in August 1993, I gave birth to the most amazing person, Clarke Dani Reese. I didn't know what a gift she would bring to the world. Dani never met a camera she didn't like. Dani danced, sang, and acted. She was an honor student, a Girl Scout, and a friend to everyone. Dani loved all things Disney! She especially loved the theme parks and cruise ships. So much so that she wanted to make it her career. Dani became suddenly ill early on Saturday, February 23rd, 2007. She was preparing for a school choral performance. When she didn't show, word spread quickly through the community that she had been taken to hospital. A prayer chain was started. We were told that Dani had a blood clot in her lungs. Once the community found out, the kids and school staff started showing up at the hospital to be us. There were so many kids there that the nurse asked, "Who brought the school bus"? Sadly, Dani got a blood disease called DIC, which caused a brain bleed and resulted in brain death. She was placed on life-support. Dani, 13, couldn't consent to donate. But knowing the loving and giving person that she was, we knew she would have consented.







As a family, we did not want to know the recipients; just being able to donate was enough for us. Dani always gave back. Dani has an award named in honor at her school to encourage others to be giving and caring. It is awarded each year to a deserving 8th grader at Providence Middle, where she attended.







For such a young person, Dani had a big, loving heart. Though Dani gave anatomical gifts, her greatest gift is her legacy. There were baskets of donation bracelets at her funeral for all the kids that attended. There was even a certificate stating that she was a donor. Dani's gifts in life and death continue to make a difference. I still see and hear from her classmates who remember her fondly and, on occasion, will show me a donor bracelet. And I have become an advocate for organ donation in my community.