Proud Dads: Celebrating Donation & Fatherhood
Remembering Donor Hero, Jordan Santiago
Jordan Santiago was a bright, adventurous and generous 25-year-old whose legacy will always be remembered as a “cheerful giver.” His parents Andrew and Heather, along with his cousin, former NFL player OJ Santiago — honor his life and remember the impact he had on those around him.
Millon Perez: Padre orgulloso de Lucia, receptora de trasplante
A los tres meses de edad, Lucia Perez fue diagnosticada con atresia biliar, una enfermedad que dañó gravemente su hígado y requirió un trasplante. Aunque su batalla más grande y difícil quedó atrás, la condición médica de Lucía es un compromiso de por vida y su papá, Millon Perez, está dispuesto a seguir a su lado. Millon reconoce que la decisión familiar que salvo la vida de su hija, diciendo “si” a la donación, fue una decisión difícil y valiente.
Haber recibido un trasplante para Lucia, le permitió la posibilidad de ser papá y es algo que agradece todos los días.
Full Circle: Celebrating Three Fathers Tied together by one selfless gift
From Lisa Barker, Liver Transplant Recipient:
Organ donation has the most beautiful ripple effect. On 2/6/14, my organ donor Courtney Sterling saved my life. Her Dad, Michael, chose the selfless yes to donate his precious daughters organs so others might live. That gift has given me seven more wedding anniversaries with my amazing husband, Reid, and granted us the opportunity to become Mom & Dad to our two sons.
Seeing the impact of organ donation and what all it allowed us to gain in life, Reid decided to become a living kidney donor to a fellow Dad in need. Jon was on peritoneal dialysis and was in need of a life-saving kidney transplant. Reid was a match for Jon and donated his kidney on 12/11/18. Jon is back to living an abundant life and being a father to his four children.
A ripple effect of lives being saved and enhanced...continued because of one yes from one Dad. Now, Reid & Jon are able to continue the important role of Dad in their childrens’ lives.
