Jordan was a senior, attended Pine Prairie High School and played football for three years at strong safety and defensive end. Jordan wore #23 and his nickname was "CRAZY". Jordan ranked eighth in District A for tackles. He started playing baseball at five years old and played one year in high school. Well like by his peers, Jordan was recently elected Basketball Homecoming Senior Prince. Jordan was a protective older brother of five children. He and his sister, Morgan, had been inseparable since the day she was born. His stepmother, Misti, brought two younger brothers, Kyle and Bret, and a stepsister, Lauryn, into his life, instantly giving them someone to look up to. The five siblings were extremely united by camping trips, holidays, school days, sibling disagreements and apologies, birthday and playing outside; the things memories are made of when you look back on your life. Hunting, fishing, and friendship were high priorities for Jordan. There were many deer, ducks, squirrels and fish brought back by Jordan's hunting excursions.

November 18, 2010 Jordan was on his way to pick up his two sisters from after school activities. He was in a motor vehicle accident and suffered sever head trauma.

Jordan went to Heaven on November 20, 2010. Jordan chose to become an organ donor when he turned 18. This was a decision Jordan made on his own. His family is very proud of this decision that he made. It brings his family peace on the tough days.

We know that Jordan lives on through you – his recipients. He will forever live on in our hearts!! There is only one world to describe Jordan “BEAUTIFUL”!!!!

She was so full of life and love and loved by all. Stephanie lived more in 17 years than I have lived in 47.  Always there to help, a good friend, a wonderful big sister, a loving

grand-daughter and most importantly a beautiful, loving daughter and the light of my life. 

She was an avid dancer in both her personal life and on squads in high school and college.  We all miss her terribly, but I know that one day I will see her again.

When we were approached by the LOPA people in the hospital my first reaction was "no way", I'm not burying my daughter cut to pieces. My ex-husband did the listening and when I came to grips that she was not going to make it I realized that this would've been what Stephanie wanted and she probably would've said "oh Mom, I want to do this." 

It turned out to be a very good thing for us and it saved 5 peoples lives that night. God bless everyone who makes this decision and the ones that are on the receiving end.

After Eleven years, Stephanie's family(pictured above) finally meets her heart recipient, Elizabeth(far left). They now consider themselves to be family and plan to visit often.

He was so pleased at how many people showed up from both sides of the family, he really and truly felt loved that day.

The last we spoke was the night before his death on June 5, 2008, I was having trouble with my computer and Antonio was supposed to help his sister with a project. His sister and I had forgotten what time it was and called his home late and we briefly spoke and said we will talk to you tomorrow after he came home from work. He never made it to work. He was fatally injured that morning.

Antonio was my first born and only son. Even though I felt like my world had come to an end I knew in death he could live on.

I myself am an organ donor recipient and because of that knew in death he could bring life to others. Antonio also knew how important it was and did say he would like to be a donor if he died. Now his sister and I live our life making him proud as he did us.

He was selected by his teachers to participate in the Natural Helpers Program at school. He was a member of the Honor Society, Who's Who, Student Government, as well as participating in two sports at school (golf and football). The cheerleaders even talked Don into giving up football and becoming a cheerleader as they needed some muscle to throw the girls in the air and catch them. Don even enrolled in a gymnastic class with the cheerleaders in order to do the routines. He believed that everyone should hug someone at least 3 times a day.

In October 1992, Don's life ended due to a severe head injury.  His family, friends, classmates, and church members were in total shock over his untimely death.  As his parents, we chose to remember the seventeen good years that we enjoyed with Don and not to dwell on the last days of Don’s life.  When asked by the doctors and the LOPA Staff to consider organ donation, we were caught off guard. We had never discussed organ donation but by the Grace of God we said Yes to Organ Donation.  Don's Heart, Liver, Kidneys, and Both Corneas were used to enhance and save the lives of others.

We wished that we had discussed organ donation with Don so that any doubts would have been removed as to what he would have wanted but sadly we had not. Several months after Don's death, we found out exactly what Don would have wanted when we read his English notebook. In Don's English 4 Journalism Class his teacher asked the class this question. If you were blinded and could have your sight restored only by convincing a particular accident victim who is dying to donate her corneas to you; would you try to convince her? Why or why not? What would you say?

Don’s answer was as follows…..Yes, I would try and convince her.  I think that sight is the greatest of all senses.   To be blind would be like having a black veil over your face at all times.  I don’t know what I would say.  I know that I would gladly give my organs to a needy person.

Saying YES to Organ Donation is one of the most rewarding and positive decisions that our family has ever made.  Don lives on in the life of others. Organ Donation makes a difference.  Say YES to Organ Donation.

Robert & Phyllis Boone, Don’s Parents

After high school she signed up with the US Army. She came home shortly after, pregnant. At the age of 19 she became a mother. She loved her daughter more than can even be put into words. Being a young mom did not hinder her one bit. She worked at a restaurant and would use her tips to buy food for the homeless. It is rare to see a single mom do such a thing. She was such a GREAT woman.

On August 10, 1991, while on her way home, she met her fate. She lost control of her car and crashed into a light pole. We do not know how long it took for EMS to respond, but once they did and she arrived at the hospital she was pronounced clinically brain dead. After numerous tests and prayers and wishes, my mother knew there was nothing else to be done. We had lost her. This is when the most important decision ever came. Tina always made it known that she wanted to be an organ donor, but the decision was still my mothers. She honored Tina's wishes and with the loss of her daughter was able to see the impact Tina could still make on others. That night Tina saved several lives and improved even more. That is what makes her a true HERO.

Tina left behind a 9 month old baby, adoring parents, 2 sisters, and more friends than most of us will have in our lifetimes. She will forever be missed but just knowing that she gave "The Gift of Life" seems to ease the pain a bit.

While picking out flowers for her son’s casket, Pam received a call from a nurse at the hospital, thanking her for agreeing to the donation. She also told Pam that since she had said yes, her son’s friend’s family agreed to donation as well.

While picking out flowers for her son’s casket, Pam received a call from a nurse at the hospital, thanking her for agreeing to the donation. She also told Pam that since she had said yes, her son’s friend’s family agreed to donation as well.

“It soon will be nine years since Ryan died,” Pam said. “There is not a breath that I take without missing him. Donation has helped in the healing process.” Ryan gave sight to a 23-year-old and a 27-year-old that day. “When I wake up in the mornings, I pray for them, thanking God that they can see the sun rise and set. They can see the things that mean so much to them such as family, flowers, clouds, blue sky, and stars. Most of all, I know they will never forget that a 13-year-old boy gave them sight.”

Two years after Ryan’s death, Pam’s brother Glenn began dialysis. Glenn had been a diabetic since the age of 16. Pam, her mother, and her other siblings also were diabetic. They wanted to donate a kidney to Glenn, but they couldn’t.

For the next two years, Glenn would endure four-hour dialysis treatments. He had to give up his job of coaching and teaching. On April 1, 2001, Glenn received his second chance at life. “I know if a family would not have stepped beyond their grief and said yes, my brother Glenn would no longer be alive today.” A year after his transplant, Glenn returned to the job he loved—coaching and teaching.

“You cannot say yes to organ and tissue donation without it having a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you.” Before joining LOPA, Pam spent several years working with dialysis patients and as a representative for the Southern Eye Bank.

He had been struggling financially and told me he and his girlfriend were learning to walk the money walk. He did his grocery shopping at mom's and left after about an hour of visiting.

Monday evening, my daughter and I were watching television.  I asked her if she was interested in the program we were watching as I wanted to watch the news.  She said no so we switched channels.  The lead story was about a shooting outside a home in Marrero and the victim was Robert Champagne, taken to the trauma hospital in New Orleans.  I felt all the air leave my body as I started screaming.  My husband and I went to the hospital to be met by the emergency room physician who explained the injury and the expectation of death by morning.  So we waited as relatives who also heard the news began arriving at the emergency room.

At 2 AM, we were asked to leave the facility.  This was still right after Katrina and the hospital was make-shift, not structured to help survivors in any way.  So, we left and drove the 10 minute drive home.  We brewed a pot of coffee and talked.

Bobby loved being everyone’s hero.  He was always saving someone.  We had known him to truly give someone the shirt off his back if he felt the person needed it.  I told my husband the hospital was sustaining life long enough to talk with us about organ donation.  The decision for us was easy because we knew Bobby would have wanted to help save anyone he could.  When we arrived back at the hospital, we were escorted into a family waiting room and introduced to a LOPA rep.  Kirsten was so gentle with her word selection.  We interrupted her and told her we were going to donate Bobby’s organs.

Because of Katrina’s effects, the tissue samples had to be sent to Shreveport for processing.  Kirsten said we would be kept informed of every movement Bobby made during the trip to Shreveport and back home.  He was able to help four people with his donation.  I can see the little smirk smile on his face knowing how proud he would be of his contribution to someone’s life. 

Bobby at age 7

He didn't like to concern himself with everyday drudgeries such as school and chores. His imagination knew no boundaries. He was a free spirit to go where the wind blew him, and he sampled all the pleasures life had to offer along the way.

He was not bound by the rules of society. He had a tremendous spirit and was a child who definitely knew what he wanted. He made friends wherever he went, because Alex never met a stranger. He was very observant of his friends' interests, and loved giving little gifts that he found or made, for no other reason than to make them happy. He was truly - a child of God. On the eve of the accident, after putting his Cookies-N-Cream ice cream away, I feel sure, that his only thought was to take "one more quick bike ride," before he came in for the night.

He often acted on impulse,with no thought or fear of consequences, (just like his mama). That's my baby! I couldn't be more proud of him. He died, doing what he loved most, being free and having fun. There are no words to express the depth of heartache I have, now that he is gone.

Jeff was gifted in many ways. He excelled academically, remaining on the honor roll throughout his school years. He moved to Shreveport in his teens and went on to attend BPCC and Southern University, and had plans to attend LSUS for a graphic design major. He was also a computer whiz and was always the first one to be called for any computer glitch or just to answer questions. But if there was one gift that took the spotlight, it would have to be his musical talent. He was playing piano by ear in his early teens and later the guitar. His musical talent knew no bounds and he became proficient on the piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drums, all self-taught. He even went on to write, sing, and record his own music. Our fondest memories are of him holding his guitar.

Jeff married his dream girl, Christine Kaspar, on July 3, 2006. They bought their first home in Shreveport in 2009 and discovered they were expecting a baby in December of that same year. Unfortunately, he did not live to see his son come into the world. He passed from this life into heaven in the early morning hours of February 7, 2010, Superbowl Sunday. He went to sleep and never woke up.

His beautiful baby son, Parker, was born on August 10, 2010, much to our delight. We felt that God, in his mercy, had let us keep a part of Jeff with us.

Jeff is survived by family and friends who still grieve for this wonderful man.  To know him is to love him.  We, as a family, were more than willing to donate his organs and tissue because we know that is what he would have wanted. 

Thank you, LOPA, for helping Jeff to live on.

Don't stand by my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
Don't stand by my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

When I found out that she had already chosen to be a donor on her license, I was at ease with my decision to give her back to God. He is the creator of miracles and he gave me 19 wonderful years with Brande. Her dream was to help save lives and that is exactly what she is doing. We are so proud of her.

I remember a time when Brande’s sister Christy had a Gymnastics meet in Seattle WA. I told Brande (age 3 at the time) that I was going to let her stay with grandma while I went to Seattle. She said, “Well I want to see Attle too mama”. I could not for the life of me explain to her that I was going to Seattle, the town in WA and not to visit someone named Attle. Each day I called and she would ask if I had seen Attle yet and to tell her hi for me. I came home with a teddy bear named Attle and she slept with it every night. We still have that old bear..

I remember so clearly Brande's 17th birthday. She got out of bed and came into the kitchen where I was doing my daily whatever moms do. I asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday and she replied, “I want to go and give blood with you mom”. What a great gift to give on someone's birthday. So not about her.... I am so proud of Brande and will have information on the people she has helped by donating her organs. My little girl is quite the hero and I love her. Please keep her recipients in your prayers that they might be healed by Gods loving grace and Brande's giving heart.

Let me start a little further back. Robyn was one year younger than me. Not only was she my sister, she was also my best friend. When I was in third grade, I got held back a year. Because of this we were in the same grade from that year on and it made us even closer. We went through elementary school and high school together. We were just like friends and sisters and did things together like friends and sisters. On the flip side, we fought sometimes just like friends and sisters do! When it came that teenage time in our lives to begin driving, we went and took our driving test together, and we got our drivers licenses. We both checked the box where it asked if we wanted to be organ donors. We were 15 years old at the time. At that age it was something we really had no question about. It was something we wanted to do but, didn't know what it REALLY meant to donate your organs. Now more than 20 years later, I never imagined I would find out firsthand what it was really all about.

Fast forward to October 3rd, 2004. Robyn's accident happened. Robyn was rushed to the hospital. My family arrived and shortly afterwards we got the news that she was not going to make it. My parents had Robyn's driver's license and there the red heart was. We all knew that this was something she believed in and wanted to do. It was a decision she made 20 years before.

God gave me the honor to have known Robyn the 34 years. She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. My family and I believe because of her kind and generous heart, she would want to help others in any way, especially if it meant saving lives and sparing pain to other families. Because of Robyn's generosity and unselfish act of love, five people are blessed to still be with their families today.

Rachel Doiron

Melissa never met a stranger, and brightened everyone’s day with a hug. She was a twin, one of the oldest of 5. We have a big family and she loved every one of us will all of her heart.

Every single time one of her loved ones walked into a room her big blue eyes would light up and shine and she would hug us so tight and demand many high fives. Melissa was beautiful and bursting with energy.

On April 14,2010 I brought her to day surgery to have her tonsils and adenoids removed. I thought nothing of it, simply routine, not a problem. We did not know Melissa had a clotting disorder, and she passed away later that night. We were shocked. When I had to speak with the coroner that evening he told me that LOPA would be calling my home in a few hours. I knew immediately that it was the right decision to donate her heart.

I wanted to prevent another mother from this pain, and to save another child’s precious life. After speaking briefly about it with her father we made the decision. LOPA called in the early morning hours, it was very difficult, but the people with LOPA are very understanding and grateful.

I constantly think about my daughter, who she was and what she could have been, I miss her greatly and the only thing that helps just a little bit is knowing that with her death she saved not one but two children’s lives. 

Melissa greatly impacted everyone in her life.  She taught us all of love, acceptance, patience and understanding.  I know that my sweet Lissa is looking over all of us, laughing and dancing in heaven.

He lived to love and serve others and was the finest son and brother any family could desire. Michael was a student in construction management at BRCC and loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, water sports and soccer were his passions, and he excelled at all. His wonderful, kind and caring words to everyone, and his culinary and building abilities were admired by all and made many loyal friends for him. After graduating from St. Aloysius School, he attended Catholic High and Christian Life School. He was a social member of Theta Xi Fraternity at LSU, and loved cooking and serving his Brothers.

Mickey, we love you and our lives will never be the same without you. You were the spice in our family life. You were the child whose bonds were the strongest, because you loved and needed us so. Every time we hear the call of honking geese or ducks in flight, we will see you. Every time a fish strikes a lure, you will be there. Every time I cut the grass or mom cooks dinner, you will be close at hand. From each rainbow we will see you smiling down at us.

From the time you were born, you have been a joy to us, a son who needed love so much and returned it so much more. The sun will shine a little brighter, because you are in the sky to help it. If only we could kiss your face and we could pat your head one more time. If only we could hear "hey dad look at this," or "mom that smells great."

Michael Joseph Fazio died Monday, July 5, 2010. He was struck by a large tree limb around 11a.m. and knocked unconscious, subsequently falling into the family swimming pool. After freeing him from beneath the limb, his entire family performed CPR until the paramedics arrived to transport him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead later that evening. He spent his whole life measuring his worth by serving others, and by donating his organs Mickey continues to live and serve those in need.

His memory will live on strong forever in our minds and our hearts will remain empty without him. May God eternally bless you as you blessed us each day with your life. Mickey we love and miss you more each day.

Your loving parents, and brothers and sisters,

Frank, Monica, Frankie, Torie, Caroline and James

One of the things I miss the most is not hearing his laughter from his bedroom. You could hear him throughout the house, it was uplifting. He loved to go fishing and boating with his dad and his uncles. And he loved to play tennis and basketball with his cousin Jacob and his sister Rachel. His heart matured with the coming of his little cousin, Madisen. He never tired of holding her and playing with her. He always had time for his grandparents, and was very polite and courteous. He wasn't an angel I'm sure but in our eyes he was very special.

In the hospital when we were approached about organ donation, as a family we decided that Garrett, with his giving nature, would have been very honored to know that he was able to help others. With Garrett's gift of life he was able to help 7 people receive life saving organs, 2 with the gift of sight and others with bone and tissue donation.

The first Christmas after Garrett died LOPA asked us if we could thank the DMV for asking people if they would like to become donors and if we wanted to send a picture of our loved one's driver's license so they could see how much good they are doing and that is when I saw that Garrett had on his license that he wanted to be a donor. You cannot imagine how I felt. I truly believe that God always has a hand in every part of our lives.

In the first year we were blessed to meet two recipients. It was at the LOPA picnic 2006. One recipient has his left kidney and the other has his right kidney and his pancreas. And at the third LOPA picnic we attended in 2008 we were honored to finally meet Garrett's heart recipient.

You wonder, before you meet the recipients how do you make them feel Garrett's love and compassion, then when you meet them you feel it and know that they are the truest friends and become a part of your family.

To lose a loved one is the hardest thing to have to endure on this earth. But, to be able to enable another family to finish what God has intended for them to so on earth is a gift you can give by being an organ donor.

Written with love and kisses
Priscilla Fontenot
Garrett's Mom

In Loving Memory of
Gene Curvis Fontenot, Sr.
Born May 21, 1938
Died April 19, 2008

In December of 1962 he joined the Kaplan Police Department where he served for eight years.  Then in June of 1970 he joined the Abbeville Police Department where he served for over sixteen years.  He retired as a lieutenant with over 28 years of combined service.

After his retirement he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, reading and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Gene married Beverly Ann Leblanc on May 6, 1961.  They were happily married for 46½ years.  They had four sons, Farrell J. Fontenot (Wilda), Carroll N. Fontenot (Priscilla), Gene C. Fontenot, Jr. (Jamie), roger K. Fontenot (Darlene).  They has five grandchildren.  Rachel C. Fontenot, Jacob J. Fontenot, Garrett J. Fontenot, Lacey L. Fontenot, Madisen E. Fontenot and two step grandchildren Derek Dupuis and Lauren Dupuis.  He has one great grandchild, Gavyn J. Fontenot, who was born after his death with another great grandchild on the way.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Gene was a very generous and giving person, so on April 19, 2008, when he passed away and we were approached about donating his corneas we knew he would want to help someone to see through his donation of sight.

Love and Kisses
Written by his wife
Beverly L. Fontenot

One normal morning I went to Walmart . Fifteen minutes later I get a call from her. She told me she loved me and that she was sorry, and then I heard a gun shot.

Her chains are gone, she's been set free, her God and Savior has ransomed her.

In February 1999, Monique Graugnard and Dean Standridge were married.  They both came from close Southern families and both families grew to know each other very well.  They never dreamed that their families would someday have a miraculous link to each other.

In 2001, it was confirmed that James Graugnard, Monique’s father was diagnosed with Hepatitis C.  His physicians believed that he acquired it from numerous blood transfusions years before after suffering from a brain aneurysm.  He was close to death but remarkably survived and was left with dealing with a damaged liver.  Eventually the Hepatitis C took its toll on his liver and he was put on the list for a liver transplant.

Sadly, on March 9, 2002, “Lil Wayne” Gomez, who was Dean’s first cousin lost his life at only 16 years old.  His parents were devastated with what they were now facing, saying goodbye to their precious son.  Monique and Dean were at the hospital supporting Dean’s Aunt and Uncle when the question of organ donation was brought up.  Wayne and Ava Gomez, without hesitation mentioned Monique’s father to the physicians and inquired about a direct donation of his liver.

They indeed were able to donate Lil Wayne’s liver directly to Monique’s father and that is where the miracle began.  He was also able to save and enhance several other lives in organ donation.

It has been 6 years since James Graugnard received another chance at life from “Lil Wayne” and his selfless family.  His wife, Carolyn and his children and grandchildren have gotten 6 more years with him because of this incredible gift.  There is not a day that goes by that we are not all reminded and thankful for this donation.       

Lil Wayne’s parents and 2 sisters expressed that they wanted his story shared in hopes to somehow reach others and help families deal with loss.  Organ donation is an extraordinary gift that is a true miracle.   

“Somehow, just knowing that a part of our loved one still survives within another, is somewhat a comfort. At least it is to me.”   -Ava Gomez

In her third trimester, our daughter was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Since her husband was diabetic, he taught her how to keep it under control. She never had any problems concerning this condition. Other than that, she was a very healthy 30 year old woman.

At some point, the doctor decided to induce on March 9th. I didn't quite understand why a few days early since she had not been having any complications. But they were the doctors and we were sure they knew what they were doing.

She decided that she wanted not only her husband in there with her, but she also wanted me there too. Since I was going to be there, he decided the other grandmother should be there too...that was fine with me. I stood there by Carrie's side through hours of hard labor. There were times when I wanted to just do it for her. I stood there watching and waiting and then suddenly I saw his head. I was so excited, I was speechless! Then the doctor came in with the suction cup and out he came. He was beautiful. He was the spitting image of his mother the day she was born.

But something wasn't quite right. My daughter started to hemorrhage. Without going into the details...they had to do an emergency hysterectomy on her and a few other surgeries to stop the bleeding. After the last surgery, they took out the breathing tube and after a few minutes she stopped breathing. Without oxygen to her brain for a certain length of time, my baby girl became brain damaged. She never recovered. 

We are trying very hard to deal with our loss, but it's been very hard. We have temporary custody of her nine year old son from another relationship. So between grieving for our daughter, trying to deal with not seeing our new grandson...life has been pretty difficult for my husband and me.

We miss our baby girl so much...but we have to accept that she is in heaven with her loved ones who have gone before her. Please keep us in your prayers...to give us the strength to go on and be strong for her nine year old son and nine year old niece.

We did, however, find out in the hospital that she was an organ donor. Before they let her go, they had already found 3 people in need who were compatible to her. So our beautiful baby girl saved three lives already. She was a remarkable young lady. She is deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have her in their lives.  She is a true hero!

Thank you for everything,
Ann Gore

I remember an enthusiastic “I love you, Mom; see ya later!” as Justin went outside. I smiled at the joy I could hear in his voice. I hope he heard my “I love you too, Buddy; have a great day!” before he closed the door.

That would be my last exchange of words with my youngest child. The next time I would be by his side would be in the emergency room.

On their way home after school, at a bus stop, Justin stood up in the back of the truck to speak to friends. For some unknown reason, he tripped and fell. Emergency vehicles arrived within minutes and started life-saving procedures. In spite of their exhausting efforts, Justin was pronounced brain dead shortly after arriving at the emergency room. He was taken to the Intensive Care Unit, but we were given no hope of his survival.

As I sat there...

holding his hand, begging him to wake up, pleading with God to spare my child...

I realized...Justin wasn't going home with me, his purpose on earth was complete, mine was yet to be revealed.

I did not want to take my eyes off him…his flawless face, his beautiful hair, his summer tan, his big hands that were just becoming a man’s hands. It was just as important that I memorize each freckle across that perfect little nose. People were asking me questions but I couldn’t speak…words seemed insignificant. My ‘living’ was going to be unbearable without my child.

It was incredibly hard to leave Justin’s bedside when I was asked to join my husband and hospital staff in a conference room. Today, I am so thankful that I recognized the importance of this meeting. I was introduced to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. When offered the opportunity of organ and tissue donation, there was no hesitation. We knew what Justin wanted.

Eleven months prior to his accident, Justin’s grandfather (my father) died while waiting for a donor heart. Justin’s eagerness to research donation and discover why his grandfather died made me very proud of him. At 15 years old, he was exploring a subject that most adults shy away from and yet he embraced it with youthful passion. Justin told us that if anything ever happened to him, he wanted to be a donor. His simple conclusion…if more people knew about organ donation; his PawPaw would still be alive. He said, “We gotta tell people, Momma.”

So…I do. Everyday, in some way, I talk about organ and tissue donation. It’s the only thing that I have left that I can do for Justin. I didn’t get to see him graduate from high school, I’ll never see him married nor will I ever see the grandchildren I was looking forward to meeting.

But I have met the wonderful woman who received Justin’s heart. Her name is Marilyn Thorn. Our families have grown extremely close and watching her “be” with them is very comforting to us. Her family was told that she had only 48 hours to live if she didn’t receive her donor heart. A few hours later they were informed of their miracle. She has had eleven years to love her children and grandchildren that she would not have had…and that makes this mother’s heart smile. That heart grew inside of me for nine months and then beat inside of my beautiful son for 15 ½ years. Because of the profound limitation of words, I can’t explain how comforting it is to feel his?…her?…their?... heart beating.

While I thought meeting Marilyn would be the highlight of my journey as a donor mom, more comfort was in store. This is a photo taken of Marilyn along with Sue Acaldo at our home on the 5th anniversary of Justin’s death. Sue received Justin’s kidney and pancreas. She was insulin dependant for 27 years and on dialysis for two years prior to transplant. Now, she is insulin and dialysis free. We spent the 10th anniversary of Justin’s death celebrating life…his life and those lives he saved through donation. Each year, we host a ‘Celebration of Life’ on the anniversary of Justin’s death. Our family is joined by many of our friends and these two wonderful recipients, to share memories, enjoy food, games and music. We release balloons – 150 green balloons for donor awareness, 5 white balloons to represent the five lives that Justin saved and two blue balloons to represent the two people who received sight.

Through God’s grace I am able to share Justin’s story with you. God did indeed hear my pleas as I held Justin’s hand all through that night. As I began to emerge from the ‘fog’ that exists during the first months of grief, I knew that I wanted to shout to the rafters that my son was a hero. Words had found their significance.

I began volunteering for the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) in my new role as Donor Mom. I did not join the ‘living’ world until I was able to do what Justin started - telling people about organ and tissue donation. It has led to my working full-time with LOPA.

I’ve shared Justin’s story with the media many times. Judy Bastien wrote my favorite media quote… “Justin Harrison saved the lives of five people in 1997, when he was 15 years old. He did it without fanfare, through an act of quiet heroism”.

My son, Justin David Harrison, is my hero.

Libbie Harrison

His right kidney was transplanted into a 47 yr old woman in Mississippi who is married with 1 child, who is a security guard and his left kidney and pancreas went to a 38 yr old woman in Mississippi who is divorced with 2 children and due to her illness was disabled.

He is my hero and I miss him very much..

In Loving Memory of
Rixby J. LeBeouf

He worked hard all of his life to provide for his wife of 51 years, Mabel D. LeBeouf and his two children, Priscilla L. Fontenot and Aaron R. LeBeouf.  He drove eighteen wheelers in the oilfield and for the rice mill in Abbeville.  He loved to travel and he enjoyed being outdoors.

He could always find something to do outside – clean his sheds or cut his grass and the neighbors too.

When his health started to decline and he had to have heart surgery, he made it known he wanted to be an organ donor.  When he passed away we made sure the hospital was aware of his wishes and met with one of the LOPA representatives who explained that they were able to recover his corneas and help someone see.

Knowing that his wishes were honored and that he was able to help someone makes our family proud and happy.

Mabel, Priscilla, and Aaron
Family of Rixby J. LeBeouf

You see, Connor was our only child and the most important person in our lives.  I quit my job to become a stay at home mom and now I am so glad that I did.  Because now I have 2 years of spending every second of everyday with my beautiful baby boy. My husband and I tried for 13 years to have a child of our own when we finally decided to adopt, the road led us to Connor.  Connor came home on April 22, 2005 from his home country Korea.  When he got off the plane with his escort and was placed in our arms he looked at us as though to say, “Where have you been?”  Our entire family was at the airport to welcome him home and he was the only one not crying.  He was a very bright, happy, beautiful baby who loved life.  He was always smiling and loved music.  His favorite song was “Row Row Row your Boat” and his favorite instrument was the guitar or as he said it “Buitar”.  He was very intelligent and spoke very well.  Everyone who met him commented on how well he spoke.  He was also very intuitive, he could always tell when something was bothering someone and always tried to make them feel better.  There was a time we went to visit his dad at the office, Connor saw a scratch on the hand of my husband’s boss and Connor asked what had happened.  He said he had a bobo and Connor immediately leaned over and gave his hand a kiss.  He was always trying to make others happy. 

On June 30th, my 40th, birthday we left Connor with a friend who had also been his teacher while my husband and I went to dinner and a movie.  Connor died tragically when she left him alone in a bathtub with her 3 year old daughter.  We don’t know exactly what happened because there was no adult in the bathroom.  All we know is that our lives will never be the same after losing our special little angel.  This is why we decided to donate Connor’s organs so that another family would not have to feel the pain that we felt and to know that Connor’s life no matter how short would have as much meaning to others as he did to us.

We don’t know if we will ever understand why God took Connor so soon after sending him to us, all we know is that our lives will never be the same without him in it.  Connor touched everyone he came in contact with during his life with the Grace of an angel.  Now he has touched his recipients with the same Grace in his death.  There is no greater gift than life and Connor’s life was the Greatest gift God has ever given to my husband and me.

The course of the days events were heartbreaking to them as well as Dru's brothers, Brock and Luke.  Dru suffered a "near giant" cerebral brain aneurysm.  That same afternoon, Dru was pronounced brain dead. 

The Mayon's were faced with the decision of Dru becoming an organ donor, through a LOPA Coordinator.  Michael and Jada had discussed organ donation several times during their marriage, so the decision was a simple one.  On September 21st, 2007 Dru provided the wonderful gift of sight to two people, and the remarkable Gift of Life to three recipients.  Jada said, "Through the incredibly difficult grieving months that followed, LOPA became our extended family, keeping us informed of the status of Dru's recipients."  Michael and Jada prayed for Dru's recipients, and knew that she looked over them as well.

On the weekend of March 27th 2008, the family prepared for a celebration of Dru's life.  It was her birthday weekend.  To their pleasant surprise, a letter from Dru's kidney and pancreas recipient, Steve Record arrived in the mail that very weekend!  

After some initial contact, the families met and welcomed each other with open arms.   Getting to know each other and honoring Dru’s gifts brought comfort to both the Mayon’s and to Steve. After he returned home, Steve sent this message to the Mayon’s… 

I truly enjoyed our visit. Your family is awesome. The whole family made me feel like I have known you all my life. I look forward to the next time we can get together. Until then Michael, you, Jada, Brock, Luke, and always Dru will be in my heart and prayers.  I will keep all of your family in my prayers. If I can do anything to help please let me know."

Friend for life,

Steve

Michael and Jada shared the joy of meeting Steve by saying this, "Our new relationship with Steve Record has touched our lives forever.  The common threads and interests of our families, as well as Steve's humility and gratefulness towards Dru's gifts, have supported our decision of being organ donors."  Dru and Steve, donor and recipient, will be forever the light of our lives. 

LOPA has provided the path to this light!

Christie and Roger, Devan's parents, began to think of other parents like them for whom doctors could do nothing more because only an organ could save their child’s life.

Little did they know, there was a couple, Sarah and Charles McBride, that was saying goodbye to their 5-year-old son, Peter, about whom doctors had told them there was nothing else they could do to save him and his ailing heart. Because Roger and Christie said yes to organ donation there is a 6-year-old boy who is full of life with a brand new heart.

The Legers and the McBrides are now linked by a beating heart from a special little boy named Devan, and their lives forever will be changed. Roger and Christie feel that knowing that a piece of their son is still alive is a comfort to them, while Sarah and Charles are so grateful to have been given such a wonderful gift.

“We felt that no one could answer our prayers, but we could answer someone else’s. Somewhere, somebody was sitting there waiting for a heart.” - Christie Leger

“My heart goes ba-doom, ba-doom, ba-doom. Devan gave me this heart.” - Peter McBride

“To us he is our hero, because at 3 years old, he donated his organs to save others in need. I am so proud of my little man.” - Roger Leger

Four years later, Cheryl’s brother Lionel had a headache after exercising and was rushed to the emergency room. He had suffered a stroke, due to an aneurysm, and died two days later. A LOPA staff member approached Cheryl and her family about organ donation. After three-and-a-half hours, they said yes, directing one of Lionel’s kidneys to Roderick. On that same day, four other recipients in three different states also received Lionel’s gifts.

In January 2001, after a long battle, Roderick died, and Cheryl once again agreed to donation. This time, her husband gave sight to two people.

Cheryl started her relationship with LOPA as a volunteer in 1998, joining the agency full time in October 2001. “Organ and tissue donation is who I am and what I must do,” Cheryl said. “It is my way to share a dream and share a life.”

Steve was educated in the Catholic school system and graduated from
grammar school at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Kenner, LA.  Then he graduated from Archbishop Rummel High in Metairie, LA.  

When he was 14 years old, Steve joined the River Ridge Volunteer Fire Department by fibbing about his age.  When the fire chief found out he was only fourteen (HE WAS A BIG BOY FOR HIS AGE), he told Steve that he could not be a fireman at that age.  So, the chief made Steve their mascot until he became 18 years of age.

From that time on Steve was a full fledge fireman.  He fought fires, rescued accident victims, and attended to people needing medical help. There were two major airplane crashes in Kenner, LA.  Steve was there to assist in recovery of victims and bodies.

Steve moved to Mississippi in the early 90's, and he joined the Pearl River Sheriff's Department.  While working as a Deputy, he joined the North East Volunteer Fire Department.  He worked his way up to Assistant Chief and took courses in medical assistance.  He then became an Emergency Medical Technician, and then an EMS.

While working as a medic and first responder, Steve again was able to save more lives . . .  Even though he was injured saving a newborn, he continued his life long love of saving people as a first responder...

Steve was fatally injured in an auto accident on March 25, 2008 while driving back home to help more people after spending a beautiful Easter weekend in Parks, LA with his Mom and Dad.

Steve had a very special fireman's funeral with sixteen fire departments and fire trucks in the funeral procession along with ambulances and Pearl River Sheriff Department Police cars and State Police cars to the church.  Then, at the burial, the Medic One helicopter flew over the grave site.

Steve is sadly missed by Mom and Dad, his sister Peggy, one niece Chelsey, and two nephews, Vincent, Jr. and Dominic.  He is also missed by his biological family, Mom, four sisters and one brother . . . and all of his fireman and police brothers.

Jason was waiting for me by the car. Bonnie was staying after school for Drivers education.

At 5:30 I was getting ready to go pick up Bonnie from the school and take her to Girl Scouts. She was having dinner there and the girls were getting their badges they had earned all year. As I was getting ready to leave, I asked Jason if he wanted to come and get a free meal with us. He started laughing and said that he had wanted to stay home and rest because tomorrow was the first day of their final exams. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary about this so I left and picked up Bonnie. We stayed at Girl Scouts long enough for Bonnie to get her awards and then eat. Then we went to the Nursing Home where my mother was living and visited with her for about 30 minutes.

We returned home about 7:30, Bonnie let our two dogs outside, and then she was in the house. I wasn't really paying attention when I heard her say, it can't be, no it can't be true. By the time I got the dogs into the house Bonnie was screaming that Jason was dead. He's dead, he's dead. I found the note on the table and proceeded to call 911. Within 5 minutes a deputy was at my door, and he went straight to Jason's room. He told me that I had to get Bonnie calmed down, and to get the dogs calmed down because Jason was still alive. He called the dispatch again and told them to hurry up with the ambulance.

Jason had never showed any signs of depression, but in March of 2006 he was put on a medication for his acne. The side effects for the medication was a long list with suicidal tendencies one of them. Jason was taken to Byrd Regional hospital in Leesville and then a couple of hours later he was air evacuated to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. Gary and I followed a couple of hours later. For ten long days we stayed at the hospital. Once in awhile the nurses would let us know that it would be a long road ahead of us.

Early Monday morning, (Memorial Day), May 29, 2006 at 3:30 a.m., I answered the phone and it was a call that no parent wants to hear. I was being told that we had to get to the hospital as soon as possible that Jason had taken a turn for the worse. As soon as we arrived we spoke to the doctor. She told us that Jason's brain was swelling and that they were trying all they could to see if he was brain dead. Around 5:30 I was sitting by his side and holding his hand. I remember seeing the word Organ Donation in my mind, and the most peaceful feeling came over me. The whole week that we were in Shreveport nobody had approached us about Organ Donation so I know that this was God giving me a Word of Knowledge. I talked to Gary and Bonnie and told them about it and they were in agreement. I asked if we could speak to Jason's doctor, and they ushered us into the family room. The doctor came in, along with the hospital chaplain. The hospital chaplain started to go into her little spiel, and at that point I stopped her and told them we had made a decision. We wanted to donate Jason's organs. The chaplain (female) looked at the doctor (female) and the doctor looked backed at the chaplain. At this point the chaplain told us that the doctor was a good Christian woman and she had been praying all week that we would donate Jason's organs. The doctor then assured us that they would be running a lot of tests throughout the morning to see if he was, in fact, brain dead.

At 2:54 p.m. on May 29, 2006 Jason was pronounced brain dead. He ended up saving four people through his organ donations the day he died. He also helped a lot of people with his tissue recovery. I don't understand why Jason was taken away from us, but I do know that God took away a very good Christian young man and that he needed him more than how we needed him here.

She had been taking dance for several years and for the first time had invited a few special friends to watch her perform. Katie, 17, had just completed her sophomore year at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, La.

Both Michael and Melanie, divorced after 8 years of marriage, always attended every school function, dance and piano recital for Katie and their younger daughter, Lauren. Both had remarried and divorced - Michael even had another daughter, Sarah.  In the spring of 2006 the two began to date again.

Melanie and Michael were together at the Baton Rouge River Center when Katie’s first dance number began. They looked and looked but couldn’t spot their daughter. They knew immediately that something was wrong.

That “special day” turned out to be the most devastating the Moores would ever experience.

Katie left for the River Center early so she could get there in time to adjust her makeup and change into her costume. Her parents followed later.

On Perkins Road, less than two miles from her house, a car cut right in front of Katie.  When she put on her brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle, her car spun around and she was hit by an SUV on one side and an Audi on the other.

Law enforcement officers investigating the accident believe Katie died instantly. She was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and put on life support.

Meanwhile, Melanie and Michael called the Baton Rouge City Police and found that there had indeed been an automobile accident and that the injured were taken to Our Lady of the Lake. They immediately left for the hospital and found that Katie had been in that accident and was in the emergency room.

When the two, waiting in the CCU (Critical Care Unit) Waiting Room, saw a chaplain walk toward them with the emergency room physician they knew something was very wrong. Their daughter was going to die.

Hospital personnel, realizing the severity of Katie’s condition, checked her driver’s license and saw she was an organ donor. They then called   LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency) which sent a representative to consult with Melanie and Michael before beginning a search for a match for Katie’s organs.

Family members gathered in the waiting room just a few hours after the accident. and remained there the following day, June 3, the day Michael and Melanie list as the date for Katie’s death - the date that two neurologists declared her brain dead.

The vigil for family members continued until Sunday, June 4, when life support was removed and Katie was taken to surgery and her organs were recovered for transplant. Little did they know that they would be back in this same waiting room dealing once again with LOPA personnel in less than 10 months but that’s another story.

In the days and weeks following Katie’s death Melanie and Michael were together constantly - from the funeral home and memorial service to insurance and law offices.

Michael also helped Melanie remodel her house which had been damaged by a small fire in February 2006. . Together they saw grief counselors with their daughter, Lauren. As they continued to see each other, they soon realized that they were still in love. They were re-married Sept. 23, 2006.

Following their marriage the grief counselors suggested that they move into another house if at all possible. They found their dream house in a south Baton Rouge subdivision and both moved out of their respective homes the Christmas week. The Moore family loved their new home and settled in quickly. The house was nearer to jobs, schools and family and suited the Moores perfectly.

All went well until Saturday morning, March 24, 2007 when Melanie had a seizure soon after awakening. A second seizure followed minutes later. Michael called EMS and the two of them were at Our Lady of the Lake within an hour. A CAT scan showed Melanie had a ruptured brain aneurysm. Neurosurgeons recommended this procedure called coiling. A surgeon would insert a tiny platinum coil through her groin to the site of the rupture between her eyes, filling the rupture with platinum wire and cutting it off from the rest of the brain. They assured the family that the procedure was 95 percent successful and said that Our Lady of the Lake did more of these surgeries than any hospital in the state of Louisiana.

Family members agreed.  Surgery began and 6 and was finished about 11:30 p.m. The doctors assured the family that the surgery was successful and felt Melanie would recover.  By 2 the next morning Melanie took a turn for the worse. At about 3:30 a.m. when Michael realized that death was imminent, he told the hospital to call LOPA.  From past experience he knew that Melanie would want to donate her organs. Melanie was brain dead by noon.

Family members began yet another vigil while LOPA personnel searched for matches for Melanie’s organs. A 65-year old single man from Alabama, a retired auto dealer who had been on the transplant waiting list for 11 months, received Melanie’s right kidney.  Her left kidney and liver went to a 65-year-old woman from Mississippi, a nursing assistant and the mother of one child. She had been on the transplant waiting list for one month.

A 52-year old married father of two from Mississippi received Melanie’s heart after a seven-month wait on the transplant list.  Melanie’s lungs were transplanted into a 39-year-old single man from Missouri who had been on the transplant waiting list for four months.
LOPA reports that all four are doing well. Some have even been able to return to their jobs. Ella, who received Katie’s liver and left kidney, and Andrea, who received her right kidney and pancreas, are still doing well a year later.

LOPA also recovered bone, tendon and tissue from Katie and Melanie which will be used to treat victims of trauma and debilitating disease and to aid various research projects. Their corneas were sent to eye banks giving others the precious gift of sight.

One family member recalls what Melanie said after Katie’s death: “Katie’s life was not in vain and Katie’s death was not in vain.” She also recalls Melanie saying that the one thing which helped her through her grief was the knowledge that Katie’s organs were giving life back to others.

Little did she know that she herself would have the opportunity to do the same in less than 10 months.  

That's was the best thing for us, having a parent home. He worked hard and the first time he saw the newest grandbaby, he would roll up a $100.00 bill and put it in their hands. My daughter held her first $100.00 bill when she was five weeks old.

When the first great-grandchild came along, he had retired, lost sight in his right eye from glaucoma and didn't drive anymore. Erin turned a year old and not wanting to put her in daycare, he decided to keep her. He kept her, potty trained her and would take her outside to play. When he would bring her in from outside, his eyes had to adjust to the difference in the light, but he had her trained to stand still until his eyes adjusted so he could see her. She always called him, her 'best friend', and he was. We used to pick at him about keeping her, but not being able to see her.

We lost him three years ago to an abdominal aneurysm, so sudden. When we were ask to donate his bone and tissue, of course we let the deciding vote be my mother, but none of the three children hesitated. He would have given his skin away when he has living, if anyone needed it. He would stop Sunday visits to my grandmother's to pull someone out of a mud hole, never left anyone in a bind. He was a very giving man and the one thing that he taught us was the value of hard work.

He didn't see some of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren much in the end, but the one's he did see, he cherished every minute. He had nicknames for each one and would always be ready for a hug, saying, "God love them" every time.

I miss him terribly, but knowing that a child that needs a skin graft from a burn or an elderly person needing a bone graft, lets me think of the ways he is still giving.

Thank you for letting me introduce my 'HERO', K. D. Morris

His daughter,

Cathey

This is one of my favorite (and last) memories of my son. My son, William. "Lee" Mon:is left a long trail of memories with all of us. In his 39 years of life he touched many people in a special way. Lee was always concerned with the needs of others. With that in mind we knew Lee's last wish would be to help someone in need. As a parent, I could have never imagined my child would become an organ donor. However on a beautiful April day, we were told Lee was only a few hours away from brain death. We were in shock and filled with unbearable grief, but I knew that Lee would want us to stay strong and think of how his death could benefit another family. I could not allow all that was still alive and good within my child to not be used in a way Lee would have wanted.

With the assistance of LOPA we were given the information we needed to make the decision of organ donation. Within hours of his death, Lee's donation saved the life of Mike, a 57 year old father, and Tracey, a 34 year old lady, and gave sight to two others. One year later, our family and the recipient families have met and our memories of Lee continue to grow. Mike, Tracey and their families are now a part of our extended family. Their lives and ours are forever changed because of Lee's act of donation.

We were devastated by the loss of my son, and the children's father. We wanted something good to come from this tragedy and have found great comfort in knowing many lives were saved, improved or extended by Lee's organ, tissue and bone donation. My son's trail of memories continues through Mike, Tracey and the nameless others. Thank you to LOP A for helping my son aild our family give the gift of life.

We have three sons and daughter-in-laws, Ben and Kelly, Jake and Mandy, and Tobey and Christy who are the parents of our precious little two-year-old granddaughter, Bella.  We also have a daughter named Alexis.

Alexis is our only daughter and the youngest of our four children.  From the time she was a small child, Alexis enjoyed living her life to the fullest.  She played the piano, took dancing lessons, danced on her school’s dance team, participated in softball, basketball, and track. She belonged to many school clubs, and was an honor student.   She was very outgoing, upbeat, and witty.  She especially loved hanging out with her many friends. On June 18, 2001 after spending the day working at her aunt’s dentist office, attending play practice at the community theater, and spending the evening with a group of friends, Alexis wrapped her car around a tree.  

After arriving at the hospital, we were told that the cause of Alexis’ accident was a massive rupture of a cerebral aneurysm.  Knowing that Alexis had only hours to live, her dad and I asked if we could donate her organs. We had never discussed organ donation with Alexis, but we knew that she loved life and that she would have wanted to give the gift of life to others.

On June 19, 2001, the day Alexis was pronounced brain dead, we heard of LOPA for the very first time.  We were able to donate Alexis’ heart, two kidneys, pancreas, liver, corneas, and thighbones. Since that time we have had contact with three of Alexis’ recipients. What a blessing!

Since Alexis’ death, I have become involved in several organizations.  I do volunteer work for Aneurysm Outreach, which provides free abdominal aneurysm screenings and promotes aneurysm research. I serve on the board of the Baton Rouge chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a support group for parents who have lost children. I also work with the grief support group at my church.  All of these organizations have provided me with comfort and helped me to heal.  However, LOPA has been the organization dearest to my heart. 

My family and I decided that the best way to celebrate Alexis’ life was to promote the gift of life.  We do this each year with our annual Alexis’ Angel Sale. We work during the year making crafts, collecting garage sale items, and growing plants, which we sell, along with jambalaya dinners, on the Saturday after Easter. The proceeds go to LOPA, to help promote organ donor awareness.  We also hold a blood drive on that day to allow those attending to become a blood donor. To me, the most rewarding outcome of Alexis’ Angel Sale is connecting with recipients, their families, and donor families and learning that some of these donations were inspired by Alexis’ story. What a wonderful way to keep Alexis’ spirit and memory alive!

His thinking started to change after their son’s May 2000 birth. For their 10-year anniversary, Renee and Travis planned a celebratory cruise. Since they would be traveling without their son, they wrote a will and filled out other legal documents. At that time, the topic of organ and tissue donation came up again. With the perspective of being a father, Travis wondered: what if it was my son who needed an organ or tissue? Then he made his decision.

When Travis died in a boating accident on August 6, 2003, Renee already knew what to say when LOPA approached her with the opportunity for her husband to be a tissue donor. She knew that by saying yes, Travis would be helping someone else out there.

“There was a lot of pain, sorrow and grief,” Renee said. “But there also was a lot of happiness and positive things that came out of this tragedy. It made me realize that life is so short. We have to enjoy the time we have left, spend more time with the ones we care about, and remember that we only get one shot on earth. By saying yes to organ and tissue donation, we may be giving someone else a second shot at life!”

Renee now works part time at LOPA reaching out to the community and sharing her story. “I never imagined that I could make a difference just by saying yes. It’s an amazing feeling. The impact that donation can have on us is what we make of it. I choose to look at the positive that came out of this tragedy and to live life to the fullest. Somehow, hopefully, I can make others see the difference when we say yes to organ and tissue donation.”

He had a full head of thick, blond hair, big, beautiful hazel eyes, surrounded by long eye lashes and two dimples on his cheeks. He was the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.

He never met a stranger and could always be found cheering up whoever needed it the most. The best way that I can describe his personality, is that he was a cross between Eddie Haskell and Denise the Menace, which means he spent most of his days getting into trouble and trying to charm his way out of punishment afterwards.

On a hot summer evening in August 2008, our family was outside playing, as was customary. Hunter was running around grabbing our cat by the tail and chasing her kittens when he was involved in an accident that immediately ended his life.As soon as I realized that he had passed away, I knew that I wanted to donate his organs. My husband immediately agreed.  In the end Hunter donated his heart valves and his corneas. It gives me great comfort to know that those twinkling eyes were able to give sight to two people.

In the days, weeks and months that followed Hunter’s death I had to make dozens of decisions. The decision to donate his organs was by far the easiest decision that I made.

He was stubborn and hard headed as any young man is. He lives on today through the gift of organ donation. Knowing this helps my family and I cope with his lose a little better. He is truly missed and will never be forgotten.

We love you and miss you more and more everyday!! You are our very own special angel looking down on our family everyday. Keep us safe Christopher.

We will see you again one day!

 My maw maw loved helping people; in fact she spent her entire life doing so. She was the kindest lady I ever knew and losing her has been the hardest thing we have done, except losing my pawpaw. The 3 of us were inseparable my entire life. I was the only grandchild, so to say the least, I was spoiled rotten. She passed only 2 years after losing my pawpaw and since it was a heart attack, I know she really died from a broken heart.  As much as our family still cries and misses her we are so moved by the fact that she even in death carried on what she did in life, helping people.  She would be the first one to help whether she knew you or you were a total stranger.  She didn't care, she just wanted to help.

What gets us through is knowing she has saved someone else’s loved one.  I am also a registered donor and I encourage everyone to at least consider it.  I can't wait to maybe see or talk to some of the families her donations have helped.

Thank You,
Lindsey Williams

He loved cars of any kind: fancy, tricked-out cars, fast race cars, or big monster trucks. As most moms of 6-year-old boys, I was exhausted by the end of a day of trying to keep up with Garrett and his brother, Avery. And the summer of 2007 was full of fun and activity for our family.

We are a year-round sports family. It’s football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball the summer. In 2007, Garrett played his second year of tee-ball. With an October birthday, Garrett was always the oldest and biggest in his age group. Needless to say, he could wallop a baseball. We were all so excited when he made All-Stars that summer. His team ended up coming in runners-up in their tournament.

Mid-summer brought our church’s vacation Bible school, of which I was the director. It was a busy, fun-filled week spent learning about God’s love for us. On the last day, our family was at the church early, preparing for the evening. Garrett and his little brother, Avery, were playing when Garrett fell and was injured. Such a trooper, Garrett finished out the evening. As he prepared for bed, it became obvious something was wrong.

We took Garrett to the emergency room and things did not look good. The next day, the pediatric intensivist confirmed the grim prognosis. He suggested we consider donating Garrett’s organs. Tests confirmed brain death and I jumped at the chance to have something good come out of such a painful situation.

My husband, Patrick, and I decided to donate Garrett’s heart, liver, and kidneys, which ended up helping four children. But, after that, it became my mission to help spread donation awareness. Patrick and I both agreed that, had we known more before we were faced with the decision at such a difficult time, we would have chosen to help more.

On July 29, 2007, Garrett became a hero. His organs were recovered and transplanted into young bodies that needed them. His donation continues to give us comfort on the bad days. And, though we have yet to meet any recipients, I know there are grateful families who won’t have to endure the same heartache we did.

There is no doubt that “G” touched many people in his brief stay on Earth, as was evidenced by the outpouring of love and concern we received from the community. He continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lives of those who received his precious gift. 

Kelly was “my heart” I use to tell him and at 18, full of life and quick with a big smile. I have been signed up to be an organ donor for years and as a nurse, I had explained to him how important it was to the many others that were waiting for that chance at life. I’ll never forget him getting his new driver’s license on his 18th birthday, he was so proud of that little red heart. He said he had a license to save lives. We never dreamed it would only be 2 ½ months before his “license” would be used.

Let me tell you a little about my Kelly—He and I were very close, he worried over me a lot but it had always been just him and I since he was just a baby when his father and I divorced. He grew up just fine with the help of my parents and my brothers.

He was a big, tall blond kid with an infectious laugh, a smile that could light up a room and a love for animals and life in general. He wasn’t a saint nor perfect but he tried hard, he didn’t want to disappoint me. He was working and going to school in the evening to get his GED.

He and his girlfriend had a small apartment and he loved to play on his Playstation or watch horror movies…We were both big horror movie fans. As a matter of fact, on the night of Kelly’s death, we had spoken a few hours earlier and made plans for the next day to watch a new “scary show” he had gotten…..You know, I have that DVD from his apartment on my coffee table but I just can’t watch it, not yet.

When the accident happened and after I learned that Kelly would not live, the call to LOPA was the first thing that was done. It gave me a great sense of peace and comfort to know that although my Kelly was gone, he would still live on in others.

That is why Kelly is my hero. I am so proud that my son was so full of life and love that he was able to share himself with others and I want to share his story. Thank you to all the wonderful LOPA staff that has made this tribute possible and for everything you have done to help a broken heart heal……  

Debi Fontenot

When it was confirmed he was brain dead, I knew what he wanted. I was on a mission. I was stoic, and unresponsive to most people. This was the biggest decision of my life. But, to know he saved lives, by donating his organs, made me feel proud of him. He was a giving soul, and lives on today, in the lives of others.

He's the "Hero" we always knew he was meant to be. I thank God everyday to have known such a wonderful soul.

I donated his organs and he was able to save three lives.

Brent., I love you and I am so very proud of you. You really are a hero.

Sondra Wells 

She was so special. There was no place we would go that someone didn't know her. She was always so happy and smiled all the time.

Stacy was 8 years old when she died as the result of car accident outside of Alexandria, LA. Stacy was with her grandparents (my parents - they died upon impact). Stacy lived 5 days after the accident. When I was first asked about Stacy being a donor, I didn’t know what do. My doctor talked to us and explained everything and after that I knew what to do. Stacy helped 5 people to live a longer life.

At the time of Stacy’s death she was my only child. Three years and 1 month later I was blessed with my son Jo-El. He is now 20 years old.

Stacy touched so many hearts in the short time she was here. I know she will never be forgotten.

My daughter, Stacy, is my hero.

Jean Juneau