A Gift of Life Unites Two Families in Heart and Song
The remarkable story of how the Campbells, of Horseheads, New York, and the Scadlocks of Iowa will forever be connected through the gift of life and a song.
When faced with the passing of their 11 week-old son, Jake, parents Holly and Andy Campbell of Horseheads, New York, realized that through the gift of organ donation they could help keep another family from losing a child.
As the Campbells were coming to terms with the loss of Jake, eight hundred miles away in Iowa, then 2 week-old Beckham Scadlock was facing the difficult odds of receiving a heart transplant. That is, until the Campbell’s courageous decision and Beckham received Jake’s heart. That was in 2007.
A few years later, the two families met and discovered that along with the gift of one heart that united them, so too did one song. Unknowingly, both Holly and Kim sang “For Good” – to their infant sons: Holly as she said goodbye to Jake; and Kim after Beckham received his new heart.
This past April, before a standing-room-only crowd, the Campbells and Scadlocks reunited at Golisano Children’s Hospital as they shared their stories. Holly explained how it came to be that they asked about organ donation. “We knew Jake’s life was ending,” she said. “But this doesn’t have to be the end.” Watch this unforgettable video that captures the special reunion and musical performance of Holly and Kim singing “For Good” in honor of their sons.
Video Credit: URMC Public Relations
-
- Jake Campbell passed away at 11 weeks of age. His parents knew that through organ donation they could help save another child.
-
- Beckham Scadlock, 8, was just 2 weeks old when he received the gift of Jake's heart.
-
- Kim Scadlock (left) and Holly Campbell (right)
