For Families Considering Organ and Tissue Donation
Nothing can prepare us for the loss of a loved one. We at Gift of Life Donor Program wish you comfort, peace and support during this difficult time. Many families find hope in the ability of their loved one to heal others through the extraordinary gifts of organ and tissue donation. The heroic legacy of each donor is something for their family to cherish. The resources below explore how donation is the ultimate act of compassion and generosity.
Donor Families Share Their Stories
Philadelphia Freeway: A Kidney Transplant Saved His Life, His Son Saved Four Others
Philadelphia Freeway has experienced both sides of organ donation. A kidney transplant saved his life. His son, Jihad, saved four lives as an organ donor when he died.
Carol and Kareem: Bonded by Faith and a Life-Saving Legacy
After tragedy brought them together, Carol and Kareem realized they shared a special bond through their faith and the life-saving legacy of organ donation.
Donor mother Cynthia London: “Organ donation saves lives.”
When her beloved son Sipho Thembla passed away, Cynthia London chose to honor his goodness and devotion to others through organ donation. Sipho’s life-saving legacy saved six lives. In this video, Cynthia talks about “the hope and love” this brought to her family.
One Family – Many Gifts
Rafiah received a life-saving liver transplant as a toddler and lives a healthy life today. When Rafiah’s mother passed away, she became a donor hero who transformed the lives of strangers through precious gifts of corneas and tissue.
Melanie’s Son Anthony Lives on in the Lives He Saved
Anthony Penna’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who love him and the lives he saved through organ donation.
Religious and cultural perspectives on donation
All major religions support organ donation as one of the most powerful expressions of compassion and generosity. In this video, donor families and recipients talk about the meaning and humanity of this decision. See below for more information.
Tissue Transplant Changed Carrie’s Life
A rare genetic disorder caused Carrie’s ligaments and tendons to stretch like taffy, preventing her from simple activities like playing the guitar, fishing or hugging loved ones with both arms.
A tissue donor’s gifts gave Carrie her life back. She is now a mother and nurse, fulfilling her lifelong dream to help others.
Gift of Life’s continuing support of families
Donation is just the beginning of a family’s relationship with Gift of Life. We are dedicated to supporting families throughout their grief journey and honoring the heroic legacy of their loved one. Find more information about our counselors and programs.
Learn more about the special bond Arlinda Griffin has developed with Mary Smith, who made the decision to donate her son’s Eric organs.