2016 Jennifer Louise “Biffer” Spurgeo
JENNIFER LOUISE “BIFFER” SPURGEON
Organ and Tissue Donor
Age 19 ~ Winamac, IN
Donated on 01/25/2009
at St. Joseph Hospital Fort Wayne, IN
Honored by indonornetwork.org
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.
Jennifer’s Story
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. In high school she wrote a paper about where she saw herself in 20 years. She hoped to be married with one or two children. She wanted to be an animal caretaker, have three cats of her own, and even had names picked out for them.
With her love for companion animals, she headed off to college to achieve her dream of becoming a veterinary technician. Cats and dogs from local shelters helped the students perfect their skills during coursework and were then available for adoption. If pets were allowed where Jennifer lived, she probably would have brought them all home. She did convince her mother, Rhonda Berger, to adopt a 13 year old cat. Jennifer was enjoying life and moving closer to her dream. It all came to a halt with a devastating fire that took the life of Jennifer and her two roommates.
Jennifer’s decision to be an organ and tissue donor provided hope and healing for others. Several months later, Jennifer’s mother wrote to her recipients letting them know a little bit about Jennifer. She asked them to share how their life had changed since receiving Jennifer’s precious gift.
Betty received Jennifer’s right kidney after being on the transplant list for almost five years. She and Rhonda have a special bond and stay in touch often. “Betty is so full of energy and humor,” says Rhonda. “There’s been so much laughter during our visits that it’s felt like Jennifer was there with us.”
Zac was 17 years old when he received Jennifer’s left kidney. He had a rare disease that attacked his kidneys, requiring him to be on dialysis nine hours a day. He was unable to play baseball and missed so much school. After receiving Jennifer’s kidney, Zac was able to play baseball again, finish high school and go to college. Zac’s family is grateful for the freedom from dialysis and his bright future made possible through Jennifer’s gift.