Organ and tissue donation provides a second chance at life for the thousands of people waiting for life-saving organ transplants and life-enhancing tissue donations. You can be a hero by giving the gift of life.

Ernie - kidney recipient

In 1985, Ernie received a life saving kidney transplant at the Medical College of Ohio. Since his transplant, Ernie has accomplished athletic feats that most of us can only dream about. Since the late 1980's, Ernie has been a member of Team Ohio, competing at the U.S. Transplant Games and World Games (modeled after the Olympics). In order to compete, athletes must have received either an organ or bone marrow transplant. The games showcase the success of organ transplantation and provide an opportunity for organ recipients to meet each other and form lasting relationships. Throughout the years, Ernie has competed in cycling and swimming events and has won more than 50 medals, including 19 gold medals. Now that's an Olympic achievement!
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Estella - kidney recipient

Estella, a Department of Human Services caseworker for 13 years, suffered from lupus which resulted in kidney failure. “When you’re ill so much is taken from you…” She was on dialysis for more than a year before receiving a kidney transplant.

Today, Estella feels emotionally and physically fine. “It is wonderful not being tied down to some sort of dialysis machine and feeling tired from day to day.” Because of the precious gift she received, Estella is able to share her new life with her three children. “They now have their mom back to the way she was and we are not on a time clock.” Estella also shares with her West Central Ohio community by volunteering for her church’s Hotmeals program, singing in the choir and serving as secretary of the social committee.

“I am eternally grateful that I received a kidney transplant.” To her generous family “Thank you for giving me a second chance at life.”