Jim Vidas

Type of Donation:             Tissue recipient

Age and Location:             Age 75 – Rockville, MD

Transplant Date:               November 8 and 23, 2011

Sponsor:                               Honored by American Association of Tissue Banks

JIM’S STORY

“I ran to the left and screamed for my wife to follow me. Scared of the smoke, she turned in the opposite direction and ran to the right.”

In November 2011, Jim Vidas was the victim of a house fire. Without warning, his home burst into flames, severely burning Jim’s upper body, face and head.

Jim is alive today thanks to donated tissue. After the fire, he spent several weeks in Washington Hospital Center’s burn unit, and he required four skin graft surgeries to survive. Donated tissue prevented fluid loss and infection, helping him heal and recover.

However, the worst pain from the fire was not from his burns, the countless surgeries or the uncertainty of the recovery. Nor was it the loss of control in his life from losing his home, his financial history and all of his family’s mementos. The worst pain was the unbearable loss of his wife, Sandra, who died in the fire. Sandra was a strong, determined and compassionate partner. The pain of losing Sandra is with Jim every single day of his life, as he misses her terribly.

Jim credits his donors for saving his life. Although he does not know them, he realizes that he would not have survived without their precious gifts. Additionally, he is forever grateful to the medical staff and especially the nurses, who cared for him with such empathy, gentleness and professionalism.

“I’d like you to turn to your left and say thank you. Now, I’d like you to turn to your right and say thank you.”
This is how Jim starts every single presentation. You see, Sandra was of the mindset that not enough people thank those around them for the help and support they provide every single day. However, people are quick to complain. Sandra was an outgoing person, who was a beacon of light and positivity for all those around her. After Sandra’s death, Jim summoned the courage to dedicate every single presentation he did to honor her memory.

Jim promotes organ, eye and tissue donation awareness on behalf of Washington Regional Transplant Community on a regular basis. He has done close to 60 community education and hospital events, resulting in more than 100 hours spent educating local communities. Jim lives a normal life of working, volunteering, helping other burn survivors, refereeing sports, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jim’s tissue donors made this possible.

Jim serves as a leader, mentor and friend in all aspects of his work as a Donate Life Ambassador. A tremendous feat which led to Jim being recognized and awarded as Washington Regional Transplant Community’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year. An award he proudly dedicates in Sandra’s memory. As Jim celebrates his fifth anniversary as a Donate Life Ambassador, we know that Jim’s wife, Sandra, would be proud. Proud that Jim has chosen to walk this journey with strength and grace. Proud that her amazing husband chose to dedicate his life to this lifesaving mission, just as his own life was saved.