January 21st, 1985

Gail Whiteside 

 Unknown, 17 year old girl 

 I still think about these people whom I never met, with amazing regularity, and will never forget, as long as I have memory cells, how much a single act of compassionate generosity towards a stranger can impact a life.  This particular young life that ended far too soon gave me my life back for 23 precious years and I will never forget a girl I never knew.

 February 23rd, 2009

Gail Whiteside 

 Kathy Dube

 Kathy's first date with my brother who is ten years younger than me was on the day of my first transplant in 1985.  She was very matter of fact about her offer to donate, although she thoroughly researched the implications, and told me that she'd just been keeping it warm for me for the past 23 years, which was the duration of my first transplant.   Her no-strings-attached love for me has bound me to her as much as I am capable of imagining.

 March 23, 2010

 Ed Dersham

 Christie Zerfing

 Christie and her husband Jim offered to be tested as soon as they heard I was in kidney failure. I knew nothing about the process then but they patiently waited for me to get my head around the idea and learn of the safeguards for the donor. They hung in there and despite some twists and turns I received Christies kidney 30 days ago and I will never doubt that there are such things as true friends for the rest of  my life.

 June 2nd 2010

Carla Phillips 

 Peter Phillips and 2 unknown donors.

 My husband Peter and I were part of a 3 way pooled donation. So 3 people received kidneys on that day! Peter is doing really well and talking about going back to work! I would like to thank him and the other two donors for putting themselves through so much just so that their loved ones can have the chance of a normal life.

 12/29/2009

Effie Clark 

 Eddy Salinas

 Eddy is one of those guys that hates going to the doctor and avoids it at all costs. Well, as soon as he knew it was time for me to have a transplant, he said, I'll be tested, with no hesitation whatsoever. I know how hard the whole process was for him and I will be forever grateful for the gift he gave me.

 February 2nd, 1995

 Sonja Fox

Sue Cox 

 I am very grateful that my mother was able to be my donor and that we were able to go through the process together. Our favorite story about the process is when we were asked seperatly how we felt about a part of her being placed in me - we both said that she was my mother and already 50% of me, so what's the difference? They liked that answer:-)

 August 9, 2007

 Sonja Fox

David Fox 

 I thank God everyday for sending me a loving husband who takes “in sickness and in health” to heart.

 October 1, 1992

 Erica Harris

 Unknown Young Male

 I'll be forever grateful to this young man and his family.  Their donation gave me 8 years of normalcy, which included my teenage years.  There is no way I could ever repay them for their gift.

 Erica Harris

 Unknown Young Female

 I know little of this woman, and what I do know is from my mom eavesdropping at the nurses station.  Unknown Young MaleHer and her family's gift gave me another 3 years of normalcy.  I only wish it could have lasted longer.
I honestly believe that there is a special place in Heaven for organ donors, and I'm sure these two are there, in Paradise, drinking fruity drinks with umbrellas and curly straws in them, and getting the pampering that we all want in life.

 July 21, 2010

 Aunt Mary Ann / Ron / Karin

 Dave / Angie / Sara

 THEY ROCK!

 July 22, 2010

 Phillip Johnsen

 Colleen Oehler-Johnsen

 I will never be able to give her a gift that compares to the gift she gave me.  We were always close but to have a piece of her inside of me keeping me healthy and alive creates an even greater bond.