Living Donors Online!

| LDO Home | General | Kidney | Liver | Marrow | Other | Message Board |

Welcome to the Living Donor Hall of Fame!

Donation of an organ or bone marrow while living is an extraordinary gift. Yet, living donors often do not receive public recognition for their selfless act. Therefore, Living Donors Online! has established this Living Donors Hall of Fame to allow transplant recipients, friends, and relatives to recognize the living donor in their lives. Living donors should also feel free to nominate themselves, especially those who have been anonymous donors.

  • To add a living donor to the Living Donor Hall of Fame, click here.

  • To edit a hall of fame entry you have already submitted, click here to send us a message with your desired changes.

Gift of Life medallions honoring organ donors © 1995 Gift of Life Donor Program.

Grace

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Debbie
Relationship to donor: Daughter
Date of donation: March 17, 1986
Recognized by: Debbie

My mom not only gave me life once, she gave it to me twice. When she donated her kidney to me, I was only 17 years old. By her giving me her kidney at that time, I was able to graduate high school with friends and enter college.

Aileen Sperber

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Elliott Sperber
Relationship to donor: husband
Date of donation: January 3, 2002
Recognized by: Elliott Sperber

My dear wife, at age 71, donate one of her kidneys to me. Our 50th wedding anniversary was six weeks before the operations. Six months have elapsed since the transplant, and now at ages 75 and 72 we are both healthy and enjoying life to the fullest. Here's hoping that her love and devotion will inspire others to become donors.

Michelle Nichols

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Anonymous donation
Date of donation: October 29, 2001
Recognized by: Misti Gray (daughter)

My mom made an anonymous donation of one of her kidneys in October 2001. She did this because she wanted to give someone else who is not as fortunate as herself a second chance at life. She also hopes that when more people hear her story and see that she is still in good health, they also will think about coming forward to donate. She will get to meet her recipient in three more months, and I know she doesn't have any regrets at all about what she has done. I am proud of her, and I hope she knows how much I love her.

Laura Hawes

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Mother
Date of donation: July 25, 2000
Recognized by: Karen Fritton

Laura was generous and very eager to give her mom 60% of her liver to save her life. At the time of transplant, the procedure was very new and had never been done at our transplant center. Laurie was brave, and as a young single mom, went ahead with the surgery fully aware of risks involved and the recovery she would go through. She certainly deserves to be nominate to the Hall of Fame.

Mae Menard

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Donna Marie Menard
Relationship to donor: Daughter
Date of donation: February 15, 1995
Recognized by: Donna Marie Menard

My mother donated her kidney to me, so she gave me life twice. I will always be grateful to her and I love and respect her very much for all she does for me. I want to thank my father, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends for their support. I love you all.

Shelly Dowdle

Shelley

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Bryan Dowdle
Relationship to donor: Son
Date of donation: June 17, 1997
Recognized by: Shelly Dowdle

Donating to my son has been one of the most wonderful experiences in my life. I want to help other parents who have young children who need a transplant, especially those with questions about living donation.

Vanessa Opokuyamoah-Freeman

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Thomas Moore
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: June 1989
Recognized by: Joey Yamoah

My mother donated her kidney to her brother.

Patrick M. Emmett

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Carol Giddings
Relationship to donor: Ex-wife
Date of donation: August 28, 1992
Recognized by: Carol Giddings

In spite of our divorce, eight years before you gave me your kidney, I knew you were a special person in my life and would always be. Thank you for being that person I knew you were and even stronger than I had ever thought a person could be.

Handi Skorich

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Denise Walderich
Relationship to donor: Friend
Date of donation: June 9, 2000
Recognized by: Denise Walderich

She gave me the gift of life at a time when I had almost no hope left. She gives a new meaning to the word, "friend." Thank you, Handi, for all the wonderful memories I would have missed without your loving and generous heart.

Your liver "container,"
Denise

Michael Murphy

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Meg Willems
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: November 20, 1991
Recognized by: Niki Murphy

I am submitting my husband's name to the Living Donor Hall of Fame because he is my hero. He donated his kidney to his sister without ever questioning if it was the right decision for him and never ever regretted this decision even when the transplant was rejected. In turn, he has continued to donate to so many others by providing them with information, interest, and insight on living donation. He is a true supporter and believer in this outstanding cause.

Candice Ellington

Bob and Candy

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Robert Moll
Relationship to donor: Husband
Date of donation: January 10, 2000
Recognized by: Robert Moll

To my dearest wife, and all living donors,

If the world had people as yourselves, the world would be a better place. Giving of yourselves with the possibility of death confronting you is truly an act of unselfish love. You have saved two lives by freeing up an organ that someone is waiting for. Thank you for life,

Robert Moll

Lea King

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Nancy King
Relationship to donor: Mother
Date of donation: February 6, 2002
Recognized by: Lea King

I am grateful to have had the chance to help my mom. Many people do not have the opportunity to help a loved one in need--just to be able to try is a wish come true!

Jess Coleman

Nicole and Jess

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Nicole
Relationship to donor: Wife
Date of donation: July 3, 2002
Recognized by: Jan Munda

Jess had only been married to Nicole for two months when he became her donor. He generously gave 60% of his liver to her on July 3, 2002. Thank you, Jess!

Monique Martin

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Shantesa Jones
Relationship to donor: Niece
Date of donation: May 7, 1999
Recognized by: Monique Martin

When I was able to donate my kidney and give my niece another chance at life, it was the happiest day ever. I am just thankful I was able to make a difference and give her a chance to live a somewhat healthy and normal life.

Cheryl McCullough (Blechl)

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Randy McCullough
Relationship to donor: Husband
Date of donation: December 14, 1999
Recognized by: Randy L. McCullough

Cheryl's unselfish act offered me the ultimate gift of love, the gift of hope, and the gift of life! At the time of our surgeries, she and I were engaged to be married (considered unrelated). Now, happily married and walking through life hand-in-hand, we are engaged in the process of living life to its fullest! And Cheryl's unselfish acts keep going and going.... Through her continued active involvement in the transplant community at large and through her diligent participation in various on-line support groups, etc., she continues to offer guidance, encouragement, comfort, and hope to so many others! She is truly an Angel on Earth and will always be the center of my universe!

Thanks Cheryl!!! I love you!!!!!

Donna Lundberg

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Eva Hill
Relationship to donor: Mother
Date of donation: January 11, 1998
Recognized by: Donna K. Lundberg

For my mom.... I would do it all over again, you are my inspiration and hero for life, I love you!

Nathan Bishop

Nate

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Leslie Wisner
Relationship to donor: Brother-in-law's brother
Date of donation: January 25, 2002
Recognized by: Jodie

I always thought my husband, Nate, was a very loving, caring and special person. After going through this, now I also know that he is an angel to Les and his family. I am so very proud of him, and love him, too!

Carolyn Miller

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Donald H. Miller
Relationship to donor: Wife
Date of donation: January 31, 2001
Recognized by: Carolyn Miller

I gave my kidney to my husband because I loved him and wanted him to be better. Unfortunately, he passed away nine months later. He leaves behind three great kids who love and miss him. It's been almost a year now since he's been gone...

Terri Craft

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Gary Glathar
Relationship to donor: Stepfather
Date of donation: May 14, 2002
Recognized by: Judy and Gary Glathar

Since the very moment Gary needed a kidney transplant, his stepdaughter, Terri, was ready, willing and fortunately a compatible enough match to give him one of hers. They'd known each other for only six years, but it was as if they were biological father and daughter. As her mother, Terri has made me very proud of her over the years, and this was the ultimate gift she could've given and she did so without hesitation, even though she's a full-time mother, wife and student, along with re-joining the military after previously serving eight years active duty. She is truly our hero in every sense of the word.

Thank you, Terri! Love, Mom and Dad

Katherine Coe

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Daniel Siewert
Relationship to donor: Friend
Date of donation: August 8, 2001
Recognized by: Bruce Coe

My wife Katherine's best friend, Suzi, was unable to donate to her beloved brother, Daniel. When Katherine found out, she did not hesitate to become tested. Although there were many uphill climbs to be had, she was determined to save this man's life, or to at least improve the quality of it. One year later, Daniel is doing great, and my wife has gone on to help other living donors through a support system online. She just recently went to stand by her new friend, Michelle, on August 15, 2002. That surgery was also successful. I am very proud to call her my wife.

Bruce

Kristin Mulhall

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Lawrence Milius
Relationship to donor: Father
Date of donation: November 13, 2001
Recognized by: Kristin Mulhall

Besides giving birth to two beautiful children, giving my father a new chance at life with my kidney donation was the best day of my life! I wish I had more kidneys to share! I love u Dad!

Christine Rowe

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Christopher Hylton
Relationship to donor: Nephew
Date of donation: April 10, 1997
Recognized by: Christine Rowe

Giving the gift of life is the most wonderful feeling in the world, especially when you see the life that you saved!!

Bryan Urmetz

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Michael Urmetz
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: May 5, 2001
Recognized by: Robert Urmetz

When you found out that neither of us was a match for your brother, you came to us and asked if you could be tested as a donor. When I asked you for your reason, you simply said, "Because he's my brother." Thank you, Bryan.

Robert and Debbie Urmetz

Tyrone Hyslop

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Pauline Johnson
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: October 18, 1989
Recognized by: Pauline Johnson

Thanks eternally to my brother, Tyrone, who, without so much as a question "Why," flew all the way from New Zealand to save my life. The term "sibling" took on a new meaning for us after that. I love you Tyrone!!

Big sister, Pauline

Mike Rocheteau

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Stephen Rocheteau
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: January 8, 1987
Recognized by: nancyjane

When a 26 year old tries to save his brother, and ends up suffering the same fate--he deserves more than a place in the Hall of Fame. There should be a parade and a monument to this man!

The transplant failed after a year, and the recipient returned to dialysis. After a few more years, he committed suicide. The living donor's kidney failed and he, too, would need a transplant. Bonus points on the waiting list were awarded and sped up his wait time. Three years later, he has now made history. The living donor is now a grateful recipient!

Update: Six weeks after the transplant, the grateful recipient and previous living donor had a fatal heart attack and reaps his reward in Heaven. 1-16-1960 to 9-12-2002

Heather Roberts

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Dad
Relationship to donor: Father
Date of donation: December 1999
Recognized by: Gloria Dorman and Michael Murphy

Heather donated a kidney to her Dad in December of 1999. Her selflessness is amazing. Dad and Heather are going well.

Heather also continues to "give" by being a regular contributor to the Living Donors Online! message board.

Pauline Snyder

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Joann DeMichiel
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: May 2, 2001
Recognized by: Gary Snyder

Pauline knew that time was running out for Joann. She had been sick for so long, in and out of the hospitals since 1994. The transplant was performed at Mt. Sinai in NYC. The transplant was a success, but in the following months Joann had many complications. On March 26, 2002, Pauline came home from work and found her sister had passed away suddenly. Pauline did all she could to give her sister a longer life, but it wasn't meant to be. She now has an angel watching over her always. The picture was taken the day before Joann died. The local paper had wanted to do an article for their upcoming anniversary of the LLD.

Reverend Ronda L. Hawkins

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Alison A. Crabtree
Relationship to donor: Parishioner/friend
Date of donation: September 4, 2002
Recognized by: Ronda Hawkins

God introduced us in 1995 and has blessed us throughout this transplant and continues to bless us through our growing friendship. What an awesome privilege!

Tony Fagan

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Shannen Fagan
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: April 8, 1992
Recognized by: Shannen Fagan

We were like any other brother and sister growing up, always fighting and saying we hate each other. But when they said I needed a kidney transplant, Tony never hesitated to step up to the plate. He gave me ten more wonderful years of life to enjoy my son and my family.

Lisa Georges

Danhw

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Dan Georges
Relationship to donor: Spouse
Date of donation: May 24, 2002
Recognized by: Dan Georges

Your gift has given me a new outlook on life, our family, and our marriage. I thank God every day for you and our children, David and Alexandra. My life is not complete without you. And now that you're truly a part of me, physically, I know I cannot be complete without you.

I love you,

Dan

Mary DeLeeuw

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Maxine Nass
Relationship to donor: Friend
Date of donation: October 8, 2002
Recognized by: Mary DeLeeuw

What an honor to be able to give the gift of life to a friend.

Justin Rhodes

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Jerry Rhodes
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: June 5, 2000
Recognized by: Linda Titus

When they were growing up, 22 months apart, I thought they would never be friends. Jerry finally asked Justin if he would donate after Jerry had been on dialysis and on the transplant list for over three years. Justin agreed immediately, treating the request as if his brother was asking for any ordinary favor. He was back to playing basketball within two weeks of the surgery! (Jerry is wearing his medal, Justin is the other one.)

Mychelle Rucker

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Stuart
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: March 9, 1989
Recognized by: Olivia Kemp

When my sister was 18 years old, she donated a kidney to my brother. I cannot put into words how much I love both of them. I am the luckiest girl in the world to be a part of this family. Stuart has had his kidney 13 years now, and he is going great.

Janice Uible

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Richard Uible
Relationship to donor: Husband
Date of donation: October 29, 2002
Recognized by: Richard Uible

I received my new kidney from my wife on my 61st birthday, 10-29-02. I will never forget that she stepped up to the plate while my blood family didn't. After a month, I felt like a new man, no dialysis, yes, life is good. This is my BEST Thanksgiving blessing ever and I would wish the same for all who need a kidney transplant.

God bless,

Richard Uible, Cincinnati, Ohio

Phillip Ondler

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Lynette Ondler
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: December 14, 2001
Recognized by: Lynette Ondler

My Little Flipper, You helped me when I needed it most. You truly are my hero... I simply love you... Your Sissy.

We made it to the one year mark!! Happy 1st Anniversary.

Robert S. Burroughs

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Rachel J. Burroughs
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: October 10, 1998
Recognized by: Margaret Burroughs

Rachel suffered acute failure of both kidneys and Rob was the only suitable donor within the family. It was a hard row to hoe, but the transplant was successful and is still working like a charm now. In fact, we have a niece thanks to this! He is more than willing to answer questions from those considering donation. You may contact him at this email address: templars2@peoplepc.com.

Janice O'Connell

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Donald LeBrun
Relationship to donor: Friend
Date of donation: December 26, 2001
Recognized by: Donald LeBrun

To Janice, the angel that breezed into my life to give me life, I thank God for you each new morning. I am truly honored to be "just a little Irish"! May your life be filled with sunny days and fair winds.

Patricia DiClemente

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Anonymous
Relationship to donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: March 14, 2003
Recognized by: Fr. Pat Sullivan

Her great love and great Faith moved her to donate life to a stranger in need.

Daniel Lasater

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Amanda Lasater
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: April 7, 1999
Recognized by: Cara Lasater

I want to nominate my husband, Daniel, for giving his sister the gift of "life" and love. At the time this happened, Daniel was told he would be the first living donor in a critical situation in the nation. His sister was given 48 hours to live. He prayed about what to do, and it came to him to be a living donor. He had never even heard of a living donor. This has proven to be a wonderful miracle from our awesome Lord and Savior! Praise God they are both healthy and happy today.

Stephanie Ritchon

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Tamara Ritchon
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: July 16, 2001
Recognized by: Stephanie Ritchon

My older sister and I are two years apart, and growing up we were constantly competing. When Tamara was diagnosed with Lupus and went onto dialysis, I went from the competing sister to the concerned sister. I donated my kidney two years ago and now am expecting to be an auntie in two months. Tamara is seven months pregnant and very healthy. Nothing but the grace of God.

Gina

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Nick
Relationship to donor: Brother-in-law
Date of donation: January 7, 2003
Recognized by: Gina

The gift of life is a wonderful experience. Congratulations, Nick, on your second chance of life. May we all be blessed with happiness and health.

Raymond Fuhrman

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Dina Roll
Relationship to donor: Second cousin
Date of donation: June 13, 2003
Recognized by: Dina Roll

After waiting over a year for a kidney, with several friends being tested and rejected, I felt like I'd never get a kidney. Then my cousin found out and immediately said he'd be happy to be tested. Less than a month later, we had the surgery and are both recovering well! He is my hero.

David Harper

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Angela Rushford
Relationship to donor: Stranger
Date of donation: January 8, 2003
Recognized by: Tony Rushford

My wife placed a classified ad in a local paper and David answered the ad giving my daughter, Angela who is five, one of his kidneys. The following is one reporter's view of the situation.

A Want Ad Like No Other
Rockford
Joe Hamilton
Two months ago, 23 News brought you the story of a Rockford mother's desperate plea to find a donor kidney for her four-year-old daughter. She finally found a donor after placing a want ad in a local paper, and on Friday her miracle will come true. Her daughter will receive a long awaited transplant from a stranger.

David Harper may have been a stranger when he answered the Rushford's call for help two months ago, but now he is a special part of their family. This Friday, their four-year-old daughter Angela will get a new chance at life, from a man who hardly knows her.

Four-year-old Angela Rushford doesn't have much energy as a degenerative kidney condition takes a hold of her life. David says she has her whole life ahead of her and he wants to make sure she is able to enjoy it.

David Harper doesn't believe he is courageous for wanting to donate his kidney to someone he barely knows. For him, it's just something he believes he has to do. And thankfully the Rushford's say there are people whose hearts are big as David's. The Rushford's never thought anyone would answer their plea for help when they placed an ad in a local paper. But by placing this ad their lives have changed forever.

Patrick McGuire

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Kathy McGuire
Relationship to donor: Husband
Date of donation: March 26, 2003
Recognized by: Kathy McGuire

On March 26, 2003, my loving husband donated one of his kidneys to me which was necessary due to advanced PKD. He gave me the most wonderful gift of life and energy. He never questioned his decision. His attitude is "I gave us back OUR lives." The team of God, Patrick, and the medical staff at Harris Methodist in Ft. Worth, Texas is awesome! This wonderful man deserves more than a medal. He is truly a Godsend!

Linda Bartalot

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Nona Howard
Relationship to donor: Mother
Date of donation: February 15, 2002
Recognized by: Linda Bartalot


Ted Whitehead

Award

Type of donation:Liver
Recipient: Steven Whitehead
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: July 19, 2002
Recognized by: Steven Whitehead

A man who gave me a second chance at life. I cannot explain in words what it's like to not only be alive but to live life again. Thanks to you, bro! I'll always be grateful.

Janet Troiano

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Ana Rosado
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: February 17, 1999
Recognized by: Ana Rosado

Forever grateful for this unselfish gift and the opportunities to fulfill my dreams, my life. I love you with all my heart for we are eternally bonded...as one.

Dawn Chandler

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Kenneth W. Thayer
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: May 28, 2003
Recognized by: Dawn Chandler

I am proud to have been a small part in my brother's renewed health.

Lana Schupbach

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Denise Colon
Relationship to donor: Mother
Date of donation: February 20, 2002
Recognized by: Lana Schupbach

I donated a kidney to my mother when I was 19 years old. It was, and still is, the most meaningful and powerful thing I've ever done in my life. The surgery was a complete success and we are both very healthy. I would strongly advise that any potential donors seriously consider the surgery. It's a life altering decision that can deliver phenomenal results. If I could go back in time, I'd do it all over again.

Barbara Day

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Dwight Day
Relationship to donor: Husband
Date of donation: April 9, 1997
Recognized by: Barbara Day

I gave my husband my kidney because I didn't want him on a waiting list and having to go through dialysis for who only knows how long, I made the decision the day the doctors told me he was a perfect candidate for a transplant. Before my husband could say no I couldn't do it I told him there was not going to be anyone tested before they tested me and I didn't do it for any kind of medal or special recognition on my part, I done it because he means the world to me. No one in his family could do it because of health matters and the doctor would even consider using them when they found out what all was wrong with them. After the transplant the surgeon said my husband could not have been given a better kidney unless he had been born with it. That was my Christmas wish the year in '96 and it came true three days before Christmas! So don't anyone ever try to tell me that God doesn't listen when you talk to him and ask of Him for something for someone else.

Howard

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Neil
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: September 3, 2003
Recognized by: Emily

If not for family then who?

Growing up they always told that one day you (brothers) would need each other. This was after the sibling rivalry fights. It never occurred to them what that would really mean in 2003.

Donna

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Donald
Relationship to donor: Dad
Date of donation: July 30, 2003
Recognized by: Donna

"The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose." I love you very much, dad...enjoy your new freedom!

Karen Kennedy

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient:
Relationship to donor: Mother
Date of donation:
Recognized by: Karen Kennedy

Mom was able to live to see her grandchildren because the new kidney extended her life.

Stephanie Powell

Award

Type of donation:Kidney
Recipient: Unknown
Relationship to donor: No relationship
Date of donation: October 21, 2003
Recognized by: Cathy Adams

When Stephanie felt led by the Lord to donate her kidney, there was no recipient. The search began for a recipient and then the call came, today, on October 21, 2003, someone who needs a kidney will receive a precious gift from this wonderful woman, a true gift from God.

Raoul Gomez Jr.

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Raoul Gomez Sr.
Relationship to donor: Father
Date of donation: February 27, 2003
Recognized by: Christina Gomez

Raoul Jr. donated to his father on the 27th of Feb at UCSF. His surgery was performed by Dr. Nancy Asher. His effort will allow his father to hold his first granddaughter. Very soon our family is expecting our first child. She was due to come into our world the 19th of Oct but has proven herself to be as behind schedule as her father.

Bruce Dobben

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Michael Loutz
Relationship to donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: August 27, 2003
Recognized by: Bruce Dobben

I am honored to have given this gift to my friend, Michael. This donation has given him a new life and has changed mine forever. My father always told me this great quote, "I once complained because I had no shoes and then I met a man with no feet." Not until I had this opportunity did I truly understand the real meaning.

Donna Luebke

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Rita Luebke
Relationship to donor: Sister
Date of donation: August 28, 1994
Recognized by: Donna Luebke

I know I was Rita's perfect match--as sisters, we were so different that of course, our antigens would match. The perfect 6 HLA match. Yes, we laugh about this. Rita needed help and dialysis is an awful life. My kidney did not last but was happy to help. Then, then came the real hero--Rita's friend, Jack. He gave her a kidney in 1999 and all is well. The truly sacred ground of the non-related donor. Jack is now family!! We have adopted him, his wife and they now have a little girl--Aubrey.

Chuck Swartout

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Maria Shade
Relationship to donor: Wife
Date of donation: August 5, 2003
Recognized by: Maria Shade

Thank you for your "gift of life :)" You're my best friend and I'll love you forever! Maria

Paul J. Fuller

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Paul W. Fuller
Relationship to donor: Father
Date of donation: May 7, 2002
Recognized by: Bernadette, the Mom

Putting all his needs aside my son has shown, what I always knew, that he is the most brave, selfless and yet humble person in the world and he saved his father's life. Love Mom

Dwayne (Jack) Hallman

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Rita K. Luebke
Relationship to donor: Unrelated
Date of donation: October 19, 1999
Recognized by: Rita K. Luebke

Yes, you may notice that my sister, Donna Luebke, was just named to the Donor Hall of Fame. She gave me my first kidney, which lasted long enough for HER to diagnose the disease that caused the loss of my native kidney. I lost Donna's kidney 18 months later and remained on dialysis until I was medically cleared for another transplant. On his birthday, October 19, 1999, my friend, Jack, donated one of his kidneys to me. For this reason, I feel that he should be in the Donor's Hall of Fame--for giving me another chance at a somewhat "normal" life.

Julie Anna Gowan

Award

Type of donation: Liver
Recipient: Father
Relationship to donor: Daughter
Date of donation: November 25, 2003
Recognized by: Mary Gowan

In honor of our beautiful, compassionate, and unselfish daughter, Julie. He gave you life and now you gave it back in return. What a precious daughter you are. We love you and are so proud of you. Love Mom, Dad, Matt, and Anna

Michelle Desler

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Aaron Schurman
Relationship to donor: Brother
Date of donation: April 2, 2002
Recognized by: Tom Falsey

Michelle donated a kidney to her brother, Aaron, while allowing him to reverse his health's downward spiral. She brought two children into this world and allowed a third the enjoyment of a healthy life through her generous gift.

Melanie Wallace

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Unknown
Relationship to donor: Anonymous
Date of donation: December 16, 2003
Recognized by: Matt Richardson

She gave because she could and she just wanted to help. Whoever the recipient was received part of an angel. There isn't anything she wouldn't do for anyone in need and she's only 23 years old. She's done more now for the world than most people could do in a lifetime. That's one of the many reasons I Love Her!

Joan Schurman

Award

Type of donation: Kidney
Recipient: Aaron Schurman
Relationship to donor: Son
Date of donation: July 8, 1990
Recognized by: Tom Falsey

Joan is not only a kidney donor, she is also an inspiration. She donated a kidney to her son in 1990. Her daughter donated a kidney in 2002. And I donated in 2003. Now there is hardly anyone left with two kidneys! Joan started it all.