2017 Jenimarie Magdaleno

JENIMARIE MAGDALENO

Tissue and Cornea Donor

Age 28 ~ Moreno Valley, California

Donated on 7/11/12

at Thornton Hospital at UCSD

Honored by OneLegacy.org

Jenimarie left this world a hero knowing she gave even though she did not receive. Jenimarie fought hard after being diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease and was listed for a double lung transplant in 2012. Several promises were made with her mother during Jenimarie’s journey to transplant, one being that “Promise me, Mom, if I don’t make it, you will donate from me so that others may live.” She chose to be a donor before her passing. Jenimarie kept all her promises, as has her mother. Through Donate Life and OneLegacy, her mother continues to fight, but now fighting for others with Jenimarie’s hope that one day, no one would have to wait.

Jenimarie’s Story

Jenimarie was 26 years old when she was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease. One week after Jenimarie turned 26, she was told she had six months to live. This was a shock to her and the entire family. Jenimarie had two little boys ages 3 & 6, and though she was given six months to live, Jenimarie fought hard and was listed for a double lung transplant in 2012.

Jenimarie and her mother made several promises during her journey to transplant; one being that Jenimarie would fight hard to survive, as her mother promised she would fight alongside her. The second promise Jenimarie asked of her mother and family was to take care of her two little boys if she didn’t make it. The third promise she said to her mother was, “Promise me, Mom, if I don’t make it, you will donate from me so that others may live.”

Jenimarie never received the call for her transplant and on July 11, 2012, Jenimarie’s mother and brother had to make the difficult decision to let Jenimarie go and be with God. Jenimarie chose to be a donor even though she didn’t get her transplant. She gave her corneas, heart valve and tissue so others may live a better life.

While looking death in the face, Jenimarie left this world a hero and knowing she gave even though she didn’t receive, inspires all who knew her and all who hear her story. Jenimarie kept all her promises, as has her mother. Her family continues to advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation in her memory.

Through Donate Life and OneLegacy, Jenimarie’s mother continues to fight, but now they fight for others who are waiting for transplant, because the fight isn’t over for others who are waiting. Jenimarie became a hero to others she never knew, and with every breath we take, we hope Jenimarie will continue to inspire people to become heroes. One of Jenimarie’s favorite songs was Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” she’d sing, “Every little thing’s gonna be alright.” Her hope was that one day, no one would have to wait.