By Bernardo Añor, tissue recipient   (leer en español)

Growing up in Venezuela, I played soccer all my life.  I never imagined that my dream of playing professionally might not come true.

During the seventh match of my sophomore season at the University of South Florida, I was kicked from behind.  It was the most painful experience of my life and I thought my career was over.  When I learned that I had torn my ACL, I was devastated. Read More »

By Joseph Gbonoi

On April 7, 2003, just a few days after getting married, I was in a car accident in Columbus. I was sitting at a red light when a huge truck ran through the traffic light and crashed into five different cars, including mine.

I was sent home from the emergency room with pain pills and thought I would be okay. Even after physical therapy and treatment for my injuries, I still felt weak and by October I was admitted to the hospital where learned I was in acute liver failure. Read More »

By Debbie Sohovich

My message is one of hope and love. My heart aches with the memories of my son, Dustin, but swells with pride and love that his spirit, through the gift he gave to others, lives on.

On April 30, 2007 my life, as I knew it, changed forever. My first born and only son, Dustin Hart, 27 years old, was in his car at a stop sign and was shot in the head. Read More »

By Debby Rice

My dad wanted to be an advocate for organ and tissue donation after he received his heart transplant. His unfulfilled wish is what compels me to share our story – he died waiting for a second chance at life.

I remember my dad, Denny Hile, as a warm, loving man who was the foundation of our family. He was one of the most positive people I knew, and was dedicated to our family. He listened, really listened when I needed him, gave great advice and was a source of strength for me. Read More »

By Cathy VanHorn

Organ and tissue donation is important to me not just because it is a part of my job, but because it has also touched me personally.

I am an RN and Lead Patient Care Coordinator at Berger Hospital in Circleville, Ohio. In my position I serve as a donation liaison with Lifeline of Ohio, facilitating the donation process at our hospital. I’m also a Designated Requestor for the Central Ohio Lion’s Eye Bank which means I’m trained to discuss eye donation opportunities with families at our hospital. Read More »

By Pati Dyer

I have a special story of love to share with you. Organ donation has touched my life three times and I have been profoundly changed by the love passed on through donation.

My uncle, John Thomas, died unexpectedly at 20 years old. On March 17, 1991, John was declared brain dead after a sudden accident. Though John was my uncle, there were only two years between us and he was more like a brother to me. John was a fun-loving young man who worked hard as a supervisor in a factory. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast, with a collection of 12 motorcycles – only one that actually ran!  Read More »

By Rhonda Knott

“What kind of disability insurance do you have?” That was one of the scariest questions I have ever been asked. I was 36, a full-time registered nurse, divorced mother of two and I was experiencing severe visual problems. My doctor thought I might have to quit my job and go on disability – I said to him, “We cannot have this conversation, we just can’t.”

My vision problems started in 1994. I was originally diagnosed with a corneal abrasion in my right eye. Months went by and I continued to have problems. I was in so much pain that my eyelid would close and I could not make it open, especially in bright lights. I was very scared by what was happening to me. Read More »

By Deyra Rodriguez    (leer en español)

When I was nine years old, I developed Type 1 diabetes.  I dealt with the condition all my life and began experiencing kidney problems when I was in my 20s.  After becoming pregnant in 1995, my kidneys failed.

Doctors tried to treat my condition with diet and medication but as a young professional trying to pursue a PhD and balance my family life, I began to suffer.  I always felt tired and my lack of energy became a way of life – I started to think that it was my new “normal.” Read More »