Not many young adults think about dying, much less about donating their organs. Stephen was a unique individual. One day he made a special trip on his lunch hour into the Circuit Clerk's office to add his name to the donor list. He was told that he was young and had a long time before he needed to think about that. His response back was that he had a personal relationship with Jesus and if anything ever happened to him, he didn't want there to be any question as to his wishes. He had already renewed his license previously; therefore, his name was added to the donor list but the back of his license remained unchecked.
Stephen usually placed his wallet in the center console of his vehicle. He was uncomfortable driving with it in his back pocket. After the accident, had it been in his pocket, the doctors would have assumed he was not an organ donor since his license was unchecked. However, since we didn't have access to the license, they called the state department, researched the donor list and found his name.
Because of Stephen's decision to help others at his death, the following individuals had an opportunity to continue their life.
Stephen's liver recipient is a 60 year old man from Ohio. He suffered from a chronic progressive disease which caused acute liver failure. He was second on the waiting list and was extremely ill at the time of his transplant. Stephen saved his life. When he is feeling well enough, he works at Goodyear Tire. He is the married father of two children. In his free time, he especially enjoys outdoor activities. He is currently doing well and is working on regaining his full strength from home.
Stephen's left kidney went to a 17 year old girl from Ohio. She had a genetic disorder of unknown origin that slowly caused her kidneys to shut down. She had been receiving frequent dialysis treatments for two years before her transplant. Her family consists of eight siblings and she is very fond of puppets, Sponge Bob and watching TV. After her surgery, she experienced no complications and she is currently doing excellent.
The recipient of Stephen's right kidney is a 17 year old boy from Kentucky. He had the same genetic condition as the girl who received his left kidney. Stephen relieved this young man of over four year of dialysis treatments. He had waited for this gift for one and a half years. He has two siblings and his favorite thing to do is participate on his school's wrestling team.
The heart valves should be transplanted once tests are completed, matches are established, and the recipients are ready.
Due to injuries sustained in the accident, Stephen was unable to donate his pancreas and his skin.
1 comment:
I am a friend of Laura Faulkner's and was with her the day that she learned of Stephen's passing. I have been so touched by the stories she has shared of what a remarkable young man he was. That he loved Jesus and lived a life of strong character. I wish I had been able to meet him. The story of his organ donor experience has touched my heart today. I am too an organ donor and now, thanks to Stephen's story I feel even more bold in my decision.
I know that your heart is broken and that nothing can fill that hole that he has left behind. However, I pray that you find comfort knowing that he is singing in heaven with the angels today and dining with Jesus. He is experiencing the ultimate reward and I can't wait to meet him there one day.
Your family is constantly in my prayers, but especially every Tuesday. Please know that someone in Colorado is lifting your family up on a daily basis.
May God bless you and give you a peace that only He can provide.
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