Our son Scott told us that he wanted to be an organ donor at an early age. We had learned from a family friend how organ donation changed lives when our friend got a liver transplant.
When Scott was 26, we were at our local restaurant when we saw Leonard. We exchanged small talk and when Leonard left, Scott asked me what was wrong with him. I told him that Leonard needed a liver transplant. Scott replied, "I sure hope he is able to get one." I did not know how Scott’s statement would have such a big impact on us all. When Scott was 27, he was in a car accident that took his friend’s life and his. Scott was on life support for 6 days. When discussions began about end of life, we shared that Scott was a registered donor. When the Midwest Transplant Network representative asked if there was anyone we wanted to give Scott’s gift to, I remembered Scott’s wish back at the restaurant. He wanted Leonard to have a liver....his liver.
Scott and Leonard were a perfect match. It will be 7 years in August and Leonard is doing good and living life. Scott gave over 50 people a new chance at life with his organ and tissue donations.
