Riding on Through Donation
By Erica Kaufman, donor daughter
For as long as I can remember, my dad loved motorcycles. He rode dirt bikes as a child and bought his first Harley in 2001. He was so proud of that bike! Whenever I traveled, I would make sure to buy him Harley shirts wherever I was.
My dad, Terry Kaufman, was definitely an amazing man. A husband of 28 years to my mom, Kathy, a father to three and grandfather to two, he was the rock in our family.
As much as he loved motorcycles, he loved his family more. He sold his beloved Harley so my mom could go back to college for a degree in elementary education. That’s just the kind of man he was.
When my dad died on Thanksgiving Day in 2009, it shook our family to the core. He was on a friend’s street bike when he lost control. Doctors did everything they could do to save his life, but it was just his time to go.
After my father was declared brain dead, we were approached about organ donation. My dad hadn’t registered as a donor so my mom asked us kids what we thought. All three of us said “yes” without hesitation, knowing he would have wanted to help others.
Erica holds a picture of her father.
It has been hard to cope with losing my dad. But we have found comfort knowing that he died doing something he loved and that he lives on through the lives he saved.
My dad was able to donate his heart, liver and kidneys. He made a big impact during his life and he continues to touch others through organ donation.
My dad’s giving spirit has also inspired others to register as donors. I wasn’t registered before my dad was a donor and now I’m an advocate for organ and tissue donation. I believed the myths about donation, but having experienced it first-hand with my father, I know it’s the right thing to do.
Since November 2009, many friends and family members have registered as organ and tissue donors because of my dad. Both my aunt and my grandpa were tissue donors after their deaths, continuing our family’s legacy of giving.
Now, I share our story, hoping that others will join the Ohio Donor Registry. I hope one day to meet my dad’s organ recipients and tell them about the wonderful man whose spirit rides on through them.
One Comment »
Kathy Kaufman
Erica,
I know losing your dad was one of the most difficult things you have ever have to go through. Always remember, through all the heartache, God is Faithful and will be with you while you continue to pursue your passion and fulfill your purpose in life. I’m so proud of you for sharing your story and encouraging others to become donors as well.
Love you,
Mom