2019 Mary Beth Murray
Name: Mary Beth Murray
Type of Donation: Living kidney donor
Age and Location: Age 52 – Davenport, IA
Donation Date: 1/3/2013
Sponsor: Honored by Iowa Donor Network
MARY BETH’S STORY
Mary Beth and her husband enjoy live music, traveling, running charity 5Ks and spending time with family and friends. She is a volunteer for Iowa Donor Network and a Team Iowa Athlete.
Mary Beth’s dad fought kidney issues for many years while she was a child. Eventually he was placed on dialysis and passed away five years later at the age of 52. Her sister also went into kidney failure as a result of complications of type 1 diabetes. She sadly passed away at age 49, having never been healthy enough to receive a donation.
In 2012 when her brother-in-law Eric was told he would need to start dialysis immediately because of kidney failure, Mary Beth knew she wanted to help. Having known the pain of losing her father and sister, she wanted Eric to have his quality of life back and be around for his children Nicole and Anthony, (Mary Beth’s niece and nephew). She donated a kidney to Eric in January of 2013, saving his life.
She started volunteering with Iowa Donor Network to raise awareness about organ donation and how it touches the lives of so many, not just the recipient. Organ donation would have changed her dad’s life, her sister’s life and her own. Mary Beth was able to give the gift of life with the support from her husband, family, friends and employer.
When Mary Beth first got involved with Iowa Donor Network and heard about the Donate Life Rose Parade float, she added decorating the float to her bucket list. To be able to participate with the parade and float in this capacity is beyond words. She is truly grateful and thankful for this opportunity. Mary Beth will walk in honor of Eric, in memory of her Dad and sister Missy, and in hope for all those waiting for their gift of life.
“Stories change lives. All we have to do is tell them,” says Rachel.