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.
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To add a living donor
to the Living Donor Hall of Fame, click here.
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To edit a hall of
fame entry you have already submitted, click here
to send an email message with your desired changes.
Gift of Life medallions
honoring organ donors © 1995 Gift
of Life Donor Program.
Grace
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Debbie
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
March 17, 1986
Recognized by:
Debbie
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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.
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Aileen
Sperber
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Elliott Sperber
Relationship to
donor: husband
Date of donation:
January 3, 2002
Recognized by:
Elliott Sperber
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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.
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Michelle
Nichols
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Anonymous donation
Date of donation:
October 29, 2001
Recognized by:
Misti Gray (daughter)
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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.
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Laura
Hawes
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Mother
Date of donation:
July 25, 2000
Recognized by:
Karen Fritton
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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.
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Mae
Menard
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Donna Marie Menard
Relationship to
donor: Daughter
Date of donation:
February 15, 1995
Recognized by:
Donna Marie Menard
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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.
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Shelly
Dowdle
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Bryan Dowdle
Relationship to
donor: Son
Date of donation:
June 17, 1997
Recognized by:
Shelly Dowdle
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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.
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Vanessa
Opokuyamoah-Freeman
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Thomas Moore
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
June 1989
Recognized by:
Joey Yamoah
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My mother donated
her kidney to her brother.
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Patrick
M. Emmett
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Carol Giddings
Relationship to
donor: Ex-wife
Date of donation:
August 28, 1992
Recognized by:
Carol Giddings
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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.
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Handi
Skorich
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Denise Walderich
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
June 9, 2000
Recognized by:
Denise Walderich
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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
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Michael
Murphy
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Meg Willems
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
November 20, 1991
Recognized by:
Niki Murphy
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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.
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Candice
Ellington
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Robert Moll
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
January 10, 2000
Recognized by:
Robert Moll
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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
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Lea
King
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Nancy King
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
February 6, 2002
Recognized by:
Lea King
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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!
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Jess
Coleman
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Nicole
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
July 3, 2002
Recognized by:
Jan Munda
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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!
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Monique
Martin
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Shantesa Jones
Relationship to
donor: Niece
Date of donation:
May 7, 1999
Recognized by:
Monique Martin
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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.
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Cheryl
McCullough (Blechl)
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Randy McCullough
Relationship to
donor: Husband
Date of donation:
December 14, 1999
Recognized by:
Randy L. McCullough
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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!!!!!
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Donna
Lundberg
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Eva Hill
Relationship to
donor: Mother
Date of donation:
January 11, 1998
Recognized by:
Donna K. Lundberg
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For my mom.... I
would do it all over again, you are my inspiration and hero for life, I
love you!
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Nathan
Bishop
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Leslie Wisner
Relationship to
donor: Brother-in-law's brother
Date of donation:
January 25, 2002
Recognized by:
Jodie
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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!
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Carolyn
Miller
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Donald H. Miller
Relationship to
donor: Wife
Date of donation:
January 31, 2001
Recognized by:
Carolyn Miller
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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...
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Terri
Craft
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Gary Glathar
Relationship to
donor: Stepfather
Date of donation:
May 14, 2002
Recognized by:
Judy and Gary Glathar
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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
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Katherine
Coe
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Daniel Siewert
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
August 8, 2001
Recognized by:
Bruce Coe
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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
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Kristin
Mulhall
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Lawrence Milius
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
November 13, 2001
Recognized by:
Kristin Mulhall
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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!
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Christine
Rowe
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Christopher Hylton
Relationship to
donor: Nephew
Date of donation:
April 10, 1997
Recognized by:
Christine Rowe
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Giving the gift of
life is the most wonderful feeling in the world, especially when you
see the life that you saved!!
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Bryan
Urmetz
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Michael Urmetz
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
May 5, 2001
Recognized by:
Robert Urmetz
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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
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Tyrone
Hyslop
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Pauline Johnson
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
October 18, 1989
Recognized by:
Pauline Johnson
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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
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Mike
Rocheteau
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Stephen Rocheteau
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
January 8, 1987
Recognized by:
nancyjane
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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
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Heather
Roberts
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Dad
Relationship to
donor: Father
Date of donation:
December 1999
Recognized by:
Gloria Dorman and Michael Murphy
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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.
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Pauline
Snyder
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Type
of donation: Liver
Recipient:
Joann DeMichiel
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
May 2, 2001
Recognized by:
Gary Snyder
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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.
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Reverend
Ronda L. Hawkins
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Alison A. Crabtree
Relationship to
donor: Parishioner/friend
Date of donation:
September 4, 2002
Recognized by:
Ronda Hawkins
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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!
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Tony
Fagan
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Shannen Fagan
Relationship to
donor: Sister
Date of donation:
April 8, 1992
Recognized by:
Shannen Fagan
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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.
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Lisa
Georges
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Dan Georges
Relationship to
donor: Spouse
Date of donation:
May 24, 2002
Recognized by:
Dan Georges
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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
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Mary
DeLeeuw
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Maxine Nass
Relationship to
donor: Friend
Date of donation:
October 8, 2002
Recognized by:
Mary DeLeeuw
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What an honor to be
able to give the gift of life to a friend.
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Justin
Rhodes
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Type
of donation: Kidney
Recipient:
Jerry Rhodes
Relationship to
donor: Brother
Date of donation:
June 5, 2000
Recognized by:
Linda Titus
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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.)
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