Donor Recipient Stories: Lella

Some donor recipient stories start at childhood. At only 2 months old, Lella, of Delta, Colo. suffered from a rare liver condition and was added to the organ transplant waitlist. Five months later, a family’s decision during a dark moment provided Lella with a bright future. She received a lifesaving and healing gift – a liver. Liver donor stories like this one are tragic to tell, and Lella wants her donor’s legacy to continue.

Now a teenager, Lella’s donor has given her a chance to find her passion for dance, go to her high school state swimming championships, and spend time with her friends and family. Lella also became the face that represented organ donation stories around our community. These stories inspire people to say “Yes” and check the box at the DMV to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Across the Western Slope, Lella is featured on Donate Life Colorado posters and brochures at Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. Real life organ donor stories, like hers, connect customers to the mission of saving and healing lives. 

In 2024, it came full circle for Lella at the Delta Driver License Office when she got her license. For the first time, Lella was able to say “yes” and check the box to the simple question that ultimately gave her the gift of life.

“We are so thankful for our donor family’s gift to Lella,” said Lyndall, Lella’s mother. “Our goal as a family is to help someone else, if possible. To see Lella make that choice to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor filled our hearts with overwhelming pride and hope.”