Messages from Donor Families

“Our son Ian Anderson wanted to help others if something happened to him. He had no use for his organs afterwards. It is such a small request that helps so many others. Please sign up at the DMV.”

-Rebecca Anderson

“Full of love and generosity, Alicia Maria left a legacy of hope with her desire to donate. We don’t know how many lives she touched, but it is comforting to know that her life was productive and her death was not final because it continues to shed light over others with her love.”

-Eduardo Atienza, Alicia Maria Atienza's father

“Tara Colegary was a vibrant young woman who was just beginning a wonderful career as an engineer. She graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2000 and began her job in December. On January 1st, 2001, Tara was taken from us due to injuries sustained from being hit by a reckless drunk driver. Our lives have been shattered losing our precious daughter and sister. Tara believed in organ donorship and had signed her card with her last driver license renewal. We know she is happy that we honored her wishes to help others. Tara saved four other lives while losing hers. The youngest was a 1 ½ year old girl who received one of her kidneys."

-Karen Colegary

“Organ donation is life for the people my son Aaron touched through the organ donation program. It’s the opportunity for him to live on in another child-the opportunity for our family to be constantly reminded of another special way he touched lives….even in his death. Aaron, like any young person, wanted to live forever and through organ donation, he can. Organ donation is the change of a lifetime.”

-Pamela Casquilla, Aaron Davenport's mother

“Cathy was 14 years old at the time of her death. My second child, my husband’s first. We had talked earlier about being an organ donor, so it was easy to make the decision. We know her heart went to a 7 year old child. She excelled in sports, so we know her heart was strong. We believe in the program. The rest of my family members are all donors."

-Carolyn B. Drose, Cathy Drose's mother

"Enrique helped others, by saving their lives. This was a humanitarian act that also helped medical research."

-Mrs. Ferrer, Enrique Ferrer's wife

“As a mother who lost a son, I think organ donation is very important. I did not realize the importance until his death. When he died, I became an organ donor. I tried to get my friends and family to become organ donors as well. Heaven does not need our parts, people do.”

-Mary Gosnell, Harold Gosnell's mother

"David brought an incredible amount of joy into the lives of everyone who knew him. Donating our son’s organs made the end of his life a little easier for us. It was an opportunity for something good to come out of such a tragedy. I did what I thought was right in my heart. Because of our decision to donate our son’s organs, a 34 year old man was given a chance to live by receiving both of David’s kidneys.”

-Fiona Gotlieb, David Gotlieb's mother

“Lynette in her lifetime was a very caring and affectionate person. She was always with a smile on her face. She had great concern for children and the elderly. After she had her daughter, she became a good police officer. Before long, she became a DARE teacher as she had wanted. Lynette had a way with children, especially those of unfortunate homes. She once said that no matter how they acted, she could always connect with them. It makes me feel good to know that children trusted her.”

-Laura James Hodge, Lynette Hodge's daughter

“My darling son Norman, I will forever love you. You will always live in my heart. I miss you tremendously but thank God for the 25 years we had together. Until we reunite again in eternity-Your Mother.”

-Heyseb Hodgson, Norman Hodgson's mother

“For those who never had the pleasure of meeting Elliot, he was our only son. We had 16 precious but short years with Elliot, who had a great heart. His heart continues to beat and give life to a 49 year old man. Another eight persons were helped by Elliot’s organ donation. We feel grateful to know that because of our son, and his gift of life, this family will continue to live on throughout many generations.

We will always keep Elliot’s memory alive, we have him in our hearts. He is our angel of light.”

-Isolina Montalvo, Elliot Craig Figueroa-Holley's mother

“Adam Wade Kirk, a high spirited, fun-loving person always thought of others in every way. As long as I can remember, Adam always wanted to do so much for everyone else, so I know that being an organ donor is what he would have wanted. It gave others a chance to live.”

-Bonita Smirnor, Adam Wade Kirk's mother

“Michael was always the helper, the peacemaker and the protector of all who knew him. It was as if he knew he had a special mission when he signed up to be an organ donor the month before his death. There are people who donate time, money or material things. There are others who donate life. Knowing that his donation has given life to others, gives some solace to this tragic ending of his life.”

-Louis E. Martin, Jr., Michael P. Martin's father

“My son John was a race car driver with his brother Joe. They both talked about what they would want if they got seriously hurt. John always told us he wanted to live on in other special people to give them a chance in life; to love life like he did. He was always helping others out and cared for many people. He said it was God’s plan.”

-Martha Nemechek, John Nemechek's mother

“My daughter Sandy was a happy and giving person. The little time that she was here with us, she made sure that everyone around her was happy. That’s why we decided to donate because we new that’s what she would have wanted. So in order to keep her joy, happiness, and helpfulness around, it was important for us to make the choice to donate.”

-Julia Ramos, Sandy Gomez Ortega's mother

“One of the things that helps us through our grief is knowing that Natalie’s last gift has helped to improve the lives of several. Thankfully, Natalie’s brother was there to tell us about her wish to be an organ donor and we were able to make the proper arrangements. Please, make the decision today to be an organ donor. Like Natalie, you too can help improve the lives of others and be a comfort to your family in their grief. Remember, if you don’t tell your family, you’re an organ donor, you’re not."

-Parents of Natalie Pologrunto

“I can now add a ‘but’ to the end of my sentences. Yes, my son died, but he saved a lot of lives. My son wanted to go into search-and-rescue with the coast guard. Andy saved more through organ and tissue donation than he ever would have done as a 'coastie'."

-Susan C. Warwick, Andy Rawling's mother

“Robert was always a giver and loved to share with others. That is why we knew he would want to do this. His life was way too short, but he gave the gift of life to so many others. To think, these people who would have died if not for Robert. There is not greater gift of love for your fellow brothers and sisters. Think of it, to save someone’s son, daughter, father, mother or to give sight to someone.”

-Marion Saulter, Robert Saulter's mother

"Elaine Schock was such a loving and giving person in her lifetime that it is only fitting that she continues to give in her death.”

-David C. Schock, Elaine E. Schock's husband

“My brother Adam was the forth child born of seven siblings. He was a 9-year veteran in the U.S. Air force, had three children and four grandchildren. He never got to meet the two youngest. He died at age 43 in a pool accident. Adam ended up saving 27 lives with his organs and tissue.”

-Betty Ann Routolo, Adam C. Straub's sister

“Losing our son in the prime of his life was crushing for us. However, donating his organs to extend the lives of others was comforting to us. Our son still lives through the lives of the recipients. Organ donation is the priceless donation of life. It just makes sense!”

-William Viands, Sr., William L. Viands III's father

"My son Alexander gave his kidneys to one who depended on a machine to exist from week to week. I pray for those to whom he gave the gift of life. His donation is a tribute to my love for Alexander and an honor to his memory. He will always be close to my heart."

-Luz Perez, Alexander Perez's mother