2016 Jonathan Madrid

JONATHAN MADRID

Organ, Tissue, and Cornea Donor

Age 18~ Belen, NM

Donated on 08/14/2015

in Albuquerque, NM

Honored by donatelifenm.org

Eighteen-year-old Jonathan “Ribs” Madrid had a great sense of humor and brightened a room like a ray of sunshine.  He had always been a caring, giving and loving person, so when he registered as an organ donor on his driver’s license, it was no surprise to his family.  Jonathan loved football and his football family was a big part of his life.  That’s where he met his best friend Dominic and his father Willie, who coached their football team. It was difficult for Jonathan and the team to see the Willie’s declining health.  When, Jonathan passed in August 2015, they wanted to know if Jonathan’s liver could be transplanted into his best friend’s father.  Willie and four others received life saving transplants from Jonathan.  Two people gained sight and his donated tissue has helped many. Johnathan’s love and legacy for life will live on.

Jonathan’s Story

Eighteen-year-old Jonathan “Ribs” Madrid had a great sense of humor and brightened a room like a ray of sunshine.  He had always been a caring, giving and loving person, so when he registered as an organ donor on his driver’s license, it was no surprise to his family.  Jonathan loved football and his football family was a big part of his life.  His football varsity team at Belen High School battled to win the state championship in the Fall of 2014, and Jonathan was awarded a football scholarship to Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Jonathan’s love of football started at the age of 7 when he joined a team and every member of the team became part of his extended family.  That’s where he met his best friend Dominic and his parents.  The two families grew very close over the years as the boys continued to go to school together and Dominic’s father coached their football team.  During high school, it was difficult for Jonathan and the football team to see the declining health of Dominic’s father, as he was diagnosed with non-cirrhosis liver failure and listed for a transplant.

Jonathan was looking forward to attending Highland University and playing college football when he suffered a head injury while bicycling in August of 2015.  Doctors did everything to save his life, but Jonathan’s injuries were too severe.  Jonathan’s family made the decision to donate his organs and tissue to help others in need.  They wanted to know if Jonathan’s liver could be transplanted into his best friend’s father.  Jonathan’s dad called Dominic’s father, Willie, to tell him that Jonathan had passed and the family wished for Jonathan’s liver to save his life.  Willie had never expected a phone call from his friends offering a life-saving donation.  Once it was determined by doctors that Jonathan and Willie were medically compatible, Willie was on the road to the transplant center in Colorado.  Willie received a life-saving transplant from his son’s best friend.

Jonathan cared deeply for his family and friends and made sure everyone knew it.  His decision to register as a donor saved the life of his best friend’s father and saved the lives of four more transplant recipients.  Jonathan’s corneas gave sight to a two-year old, and his donated tissue will help many more.  Jonathan’s love and legacy for life will live on.