April is Organ Donor Awareness Month - My Story

There are currently over 110,00 people waiting for an organ donation. The largest group waiting is from 18-49 years of age. An average of 18 people die each day while on the waiting list for an organ donation. Organs and tissues from a single non-living donor can be used to benefit more than 50 people. Living donors can donate a kidney and parts of their liver, lung, pancreas, or intestine. Living donors can be evaluated to help a friend, family member or even donate anonymously to patients on the wait list.

We lost our 22 month old in August 2011. His name was Mason. The light of our lives. We made the decision to donate his tiny organs, and here is what we know about his donations.

A 33 year old man from Illinois recieved the gift of Mason's right kidney. This recipient is single. He suffered from an illness where scar tissue forms, preventing filtration of harmful substances from the body. His surgeon states that he is doing very well following the surgery and is continuing his recovery from home. He is very grateful for this gift.

A 28 year old Illinois man recieved the gift of your son's left kidney. The recipient was diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes, which led to kidney disease. His doctors indicate that his surgery was successful and he is doing very well in his recovery. He is very thankful for this second chance at a healthy life.

A 10-month old little girl recieved the gift of Mason's liver during transplant surgery in California. This child is doing well and continuing to recover. Her family is very grateful for Mason giving their daughter this generous gift.

A 6 year old little boy recieved the gift of Mason's lungs during transplant surgery in Missouri. This young boy was very ill prior to the surgery. His doctors report that he is doing well, while still in recovery. His parents and family send their deepest thanks for this life-saving gift.

Mason also gave the gift of tissue. A section of bone and cartilage from his knee may be used to alleviate pain, or repair or replace cartilage in patients suffering from joint or spinal disc diseases. Donated tissue might help many individuals. Because tissue can be saved for up to five years from the time of recovery, it may take some time before donations are ultimately used.

We graciously donated Mason's heart so that his heart valves may be transplanted. They may be used in the future to replace damaged heart valves in patients who suffer from congenital heart defects. 

Updates:

The man who received the gift of Mason's right kidney is reportedly doing well. According to his transplant center, he is "extremely thankful for his new kidney as his quality of life is much better now". He enjoys attending church and singing in the choir.

The recipient of Mason's left kidney is also doing well and back to working full-time. He sends his gratitude to for the gift he's recieved.

The little girl, nearly two years old now, who received the gift of Mason's liver is home, healthy, has good organ function and is walking. Her family is grateful.

The lung recipient who was six at the time of his transplant is also doing well and is back home living in Georgia.

Concerning Mason's heart valves, we know that his aortic valve was gifted to someone in North Carolina.

The tissue they recovered from Mason's knee - one tiny little toddler knee - has helped 21 people! 21 people from one boy. One knee. These people are men and women aged 14 to 57, and they underwent surgery in the following states: New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Idaho, Rhode Island, Georgia, New York, Maryland, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Massachusetts and California.

I am overwhelmed with pride - and my miracle boy keeps on giving. 26 lives, and counting....

 Become an organ donor today! Www.organdonation.org.