Well I am not a writer but I wanted to tell you how I feel about organ donation. My name is Theresa and my husband was Simon. Simon died unexpectantly when he went through what was supposed to be a simple medical procedure.
Even though he was only 25, we had a wonderful life together and out of it we have three beautiful girls that are so much like him! The one thing I remember most was two days before he went into surgery he got to hear our youngest say “daddy” for the first time. That made him so happy! He loved our girls and they were everything to him.
After I was told he passed away, someone from Lifebanc talked to me about Simon being an organ, eye and tissue donor. I always knew that I wanted to be a donor and Simon was always willing to help others. For me, this was not a difficult decision knowing that he always wanted to help save peoples live! So when they asked me, I immediately said yes.
I wanted to write to the recipients and hopefully get to meet them one day!! Not even a month after he died, I wrote to each recipient and prayed that maybe one day we would get to meet.
Each year, on Simon’s birthday I hold a balloon release to honor and remember my husband. On July 2, 2010, I got the wonderful chance to meet the person who received his kidney and pancreas! It was Simon’s birthday but I was the one who received a wonderful present. We continue to stay in contact with each other.
At the July 2011 balloon release, I got to meet the person who received his heart and lungs! The really amazing thing is this person was under my nose and his sister and I are good friends from church!!
Honestly, I never thought I would ever get to see the other side of this blessing. I never expected someone so close and dear to me to die so young. But knowing that my husband and the kids daddy has helped other people to live - has been a great comfort through this whole situation.
I thank God for all the wonderful blessings in my life and our girl’s lives. But without a doubt, the best thing to come out of the losing Simon was being able to meet and communicate with the recipients. Simon continues to live on and help others as he did in life.
Theresa Agens - Donor Family Member
