Organ Donation and Organ Transplant Stories
Here are the stories of loss and hope, pain and joy and acts of selflessness — the emotions and experiences that are at the heart of organ donation and transplantation.
Nonie’s Last-Minute Reprieve
Nonie Bergesen (left) and Kate Mitchell
Nonie Bergesen got a blunt warning from her doctor — you must get a new liver soon, or the consequences will be serious. Find out how the nerve-racking experience affected Nonie and her loved ones, including Kate Mitchell, a clinical educator at Upstate University Hospital.
Giving One Back
Ali Brown and Molly deRoos Liver transplant recipient Ali Brown, left, with her mother Molly deRoos
From the moment of birth, Molly deRoos’ daughter Ali itched 24 hours a day, just one symptom of a serious liver disease. At age 11 Ali received a liver transplant that not only stopped the itch but gave her a chance to live and thrive. Six years later their family would be presented with the option of giving back.
Katie’s Star Shines Bright
Katie Maiellano
At age 22 Katie Maiellano became an organ donor after she died following an automobile accident. Katie’s life and memory continue to live on in other ways. The Maiellanos created Katie’s Star Memorial Fund to help cover lodging, travel and other expenses related to living donor transplants. This is Katie’s story.
Voices for Organ Donation
Testimonials from families of donors and transplant recipients about the importance of organ donation.
Receiving the Gift of Life
Hear the stories of three local transplant recipients who were given a second chance at life.
Giving the Gift of Life
Three families faced with the loss of loved ones make the courageous choice to give life to others through organ donation.
Kidney Transplant Gave Jepahl His Life Back
An inspiring and heartfelt testimony about transplant success from Jepahl. Video is part of Donate Life America’s educational campaigns.
A Mom Again with a New Heart
A sudden illness following the birth of her son put Tracy on the heart transplant waiting list. A gift of a heart gave her son his mom back.
A Cornea Transplant Gives Sight to John
After three decades of blindness, John gets his sight back with a cornea transplant. Video is part of Donate Life America’s educational campaigns.
Tyler Gets His Game Back with a Bone Transplant
A bone tumor threatened to take Tyler’s leg and his future. A donor’s gift of bone helped Tyler defeat his cancer and regain his life and golf game.
