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
Krystal and Tom
When Krystal and Tom lost their 5-year-old daughter, Aurora, in 2024, their world changed forever. Krystal describes Aurora as ‘joy-personified’. She was always singing, dancing, and finding a way to make the people around her feel loved. Even in her final moments, Aurora’s love and generosity lived on, carrying forward through organ donation. “When she left, it […]
Amy
Eleven years ago, Amy was balancing life as a busy mom of three when she got news that would change everything: a breast cancer diagnosis. After a bilateral mastectomy, she had reconstructive surgery that used donated tissue, a gift that played a big part in her recovery. As a longtime nurse, Amy shared she had […]
Allison
When Allison Vogel’s son Tanner received his driver’s permit, he made a simple decision that would go on to change countless lives. He registered as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Tanner’s choice became his lasting legacy, bringing hope and healing to more than 120 people. Tanner was a lifelong baseball fan with an unshakable […]