By Amy Fields
I am a nurse and respiratory therapist with OhioHealth. As a member of the medical community I have always been aware of the need for organ and tissue donation. Personally, it has always been an abstract concept — one that is good in theory, but will not be tested in my lifetime. All that changed, however, the day that I found out that my mom, Judy Rae Kern had developed Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. She would need a liver and kidney transplant to survive. Suddenly, it all became so real to our family.
My mom has always been the rock in our family. To describe her is hard — it’s like trying to describe the scent of a rose or the blue of sky. You just had to meet her to truly experience her kind and giving nature. She and my Dad were married for 40 years and were best of friends and the loves of each other’s lives. Read More »
By Jim Slaughter
My name is Jim Slaughter and I would like to take this opportunity to share my experience with hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation. Read More »
by Amy Sayers, Josh’s Mom (Son, Josh, died waiting for a liver and intestine transplant)
Our precious baby boy, Joshua Scott Sayers. September 2, 2000 – November 16, 2001. Never be another you!
Doubly blessed September 2, 2000. Josh and Josiah were born 31 weeks gestation. Josh was 3lbs 5ozs, and Josiah was 2lbs 9ozs. When Josh was 10 days old he underwent his first of 3 surgeries on his intestines. Josh developed NEC, a condition usually caused from prematurity.
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By Ronni (Spratt) Richards
In 1992, Jim and I danced at our wedding celebration to our chosen song, “Hot Diggity Dog Ziggity Boom What You Do To Me.” As we waltzed our way into a life together, we couldn’t have comprehended that we would have only three short years to celebrate our love as Mr. And Mrs. Jim Spratt. Jim would die of heart disease May 7, 1995 while awaiting a heart transplant.
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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 »
