Stories of Hope
Donor Recipient Stories: 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
Donor Recipient Story: Tony
Organ donation stories weave us together across the country. Tony of Parker, Colo., never would have imagined sharing such a special bond with a woman named Robin who lives in Texas. When Tony was 25-years-old he had his first heart attack. Then he suffered another one when he was 30. In 2020, Tony was added […]
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 […]
Donor Recipient Stories: Jeremy
Real life organ donor stories are around every corner of our community. Every day feels like a gift for Jeremy, of Pueblo, Colo. After being added to the transplant waitlist for a liver in February 2018, Jeremy found himself awaiting that lifesaving gift in an ICU. “It’s like life flashing before your eyes,” he explains. […]