Mom Makes Family Believers My mom died of a massive stroke on November 2, 2004 at Euclid Hospital. My family was approached by a LifeBanc representative seeking our permission to speak to us about organ donation. Since two of my three brothers were already registered organ donors, they thought it might be a good idea to listen. Initially, I was against it, but as she began explaining the process and dispelling some of the myths about donation, I was drawn into the idea. As a family, we decided to donate whatever available organs we could. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about my mom. Ever since I can remember, she was always helping someone. The funny thing is, even though she is no longer physically with us, she is still helping people. The number of lives that were affected by our decision to donate is overwhelming.

LifeBanc has kept us informed by sharing general information about the recipients of her organs. As far as we know, her lungs and liver were successfully transplanted to two people. When I think about the recipients and their families and friends, my heart warms because I know we made the right decision. Her heart was sent to The Cleveland Clinic Foundation for research. Ironically, that's where she put her heart and soul as an employee for over 25 years, before her health began to fail. LifeBanc continues to support my family through the grieving process. We have received open invitations to speak with counselors and join support groups. There have been telephone messages and even a handwritten note…..just to stay in touch. People grieve differently, and LifeBanc offers support in different ways, without being overbearing. The grieving process takes a long time and it’s comforting that LifeBanc has been with us every step of the way. Knowing what a profound affect the donation has had, I became a registered organ donor by signing up at my local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) at license renewal time. A few months ago, LifeBanc allowed me the honor to participate in an organ donor drive by sharing my story on the radio. Stories from other donors, recipients and community leaders gave listeners different perspectives on the impact of organ donation. Many of my friends who heard my story contacted me to share their feelings. I know that at least one of them has committed to become an organ donor and it warms my heart all over again because I know that many lives will be affected by that decision. I am committed to telling my story and how the decision to donate has changed my life forever. Without the LifeBanc representative asking my family to donate, I would have no idea of how warm my heart could really be! Currently, nearly 100,000 men, women and children in the United States and thousands in Ohio are waiting for a life-saving transplant. You can become a registered organ donor right now or by saying “yes” when renewing your driver license or state ID at the BMV.