Stories of Hope
Rhonda
When she was 17 years old, Rhonda, from Douglas, Wyoming, was diagnosed with severe juvenile diabetes. In her 30s, as her kidneys began to fail, she was placed on dialysis. Then, after waiting 18 months, Rhonda received the life-changing call she had been hoping for – someone she didn’t even know had made the generous decision to donate their organs, giving her a second chance at life.
“I know my donor changed the lives of many others that same night in October of 2000 with her gifts,” Rhonda shared. “I think of her and thank her every day.”
Rhonda’s journey is one of many real-life organ donor stories that highlight the power of these lifesaving and healing gifts. In addition to receiving a kidney, Rhonda also received a pancreas and bone, showing just how deeply her life has been touched by organ and tissue donation.
In 2022, after the passing of her husband, he too made the courageous decision to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, further cementing the impact of donor stories in Rhonda’s life.
On January 1, 2024, Rhonda had the opportunity to share her donor story with the world during the nationally televised 2024 Rose Parade, bringing a local face to the life-saving cause of organ and tissue donation.
More Stories
Dustyn
“He had a heart of gold. He would do anything for anybody,” recalls Laura, remembering her son Dustyn, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 30. Those who knew him best describe Dustyn as kind, warm, and endlessly generous. He had a deep love for animals and a spirit that made people feel […]
Katie
Loved ones of Katie Hankins, affectionately known as “Katie Bug,” remember her as a kind, vibrant soul who was always radiating love and joy. After Katie passed away in May of 2025, she became an organ donor, saving and healing many lives. Katie’s family describe her as a spirited dancer whose laughter filled every room […]
Micah
Micah was born in 2002 with cerebral palsy and faced many medical challenges from the start. Despite this, he lived a joyful and full life. “He was a great force; he was integrated into a typical classroom. He spread joy with children that he came in contact with. Everything he did, he just loved life,” […]