Candlelight Vigil Honors Heroes of Donation

Shawn Detamore and Jessica Taylor lit candles in memory of their son, Nykan, who died waiting for transplant in January 2005 at the age of eight months.

5/1/08 -- The seventh annual Candlelight Vigil for Hope, Remembrance and Celebration saw more than 450 attendees unite in celebration of Donate Life Month. The evening began with an amazing double rainbow that filled the sky and set the tone for the impactful event. Speakers include kidney recipient and Buckeye GIFT President Vickie Beckley, kidney recipient and Buckeye GIFT Vice President Carol Fitzsimmons, living kidney donor Jackie Wright, lung candidate Lowell Smith, donor parents Mike and Sue Murphy, Amy Fields, whose mother died waiting for transplant, and Harold and Stacey Sanchez, whose 2-year-old son, Ian, received a heart transplant at the age of 3 months.

Additionally, the Vigil included the traditional lighting of 650 candles for those local individuals who are currently waiting for a second chance at life.

“Lifeline of Ohio is proud to work with the Central Buckeye G.I.F.T. (Giving Inspiration for Transplantation) Network to provide hope for the Americans currently waiting for a transplant, to remember the heroes of donation, and to celebrate the generosity of living donors and recipients” said Lifeline of Ohio CEO Kent Holloway.