Stories of Hope
Nathan
Mary Kay Pieper describes her late son, Nathan, as caring, kind, and faith filled. His whole family would agree that Nathan was a friend to many, and led a life filled with love and generosity. After an unexpected fatal event in 2017, Nathan’s family got the news that no parent ever should receive. They faced grief beyond words in losing their 22-year-old son who they loved dearly. What brings comfort to the Pieper family is knowing even in his death, Nathan was able to save and heal over 80 lives, living on in his memory through organ and tissue donation.
“Nathan was just full of joy. He always said ‘hi’ to everyone. He was outgoing. He had over 800 contacts at college,” Mary Kay described. “He was athletic. He was a hunter. He was just always out there, giving from the heart. Always.”
Nathan’s family participates in the annual Wyoming Donor Dash every year in Nathan’s honor, wearing shirts that say, ‘Walk for Nathan.’ For Mary Kay and the team, the birds flying overhead while they walk is a sign from Nathan that he’s with them, smiling down on them.
“Life is precious,” said Mary Kay. “Handle it every day with faith and love. Share life and celebrate memories every day because you never know when life is going to end. But always be willing to give it to others if you can.”
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Will
After losing her brother, Will, Hannah is finding comfort in knowing his decision to become a donor gave others a second chance at life. She shares how his legacy continues to make an impact and why having conversations about organ, eye and tissue donation matters. “He was everything to so many people,” Hannah said. “He […]
Clayton
Beth and Larry Sparks will always remember their son Clayton as kindhearted, full of life, and the kind of person who made everyone feel like they belonged. In 2019, Clayton died at just 24 years old. Before his death, he made the decision to be an organ donor. That decision now lives on in multiple […]
Rita
Rita believed that generosity was a way of life. “I am always blessed to receive because I am always willing to give,” she would often say. When Rita passed away in 2023, her daughter, Elita, found solace in those very words. Knowing her mother had chosen to be an organ donor helped shift her focus […]