Organ Donation

We would like to share our story with you all regarding our experience with Organ Donation.

Our mother unfortunately had congestive heart failure and through out the years she had open heart surgery to repair one of her valves, had a pace maker and a defibulater put in to prolong her life. Unfortunately, she continued to grow worse until the doctors told her that there wasn't anything more they could do for her and she needed a heart transplant.

 My mother, Edna Mae Harris was finally put on the list for a new heart November 1, 2007~ 14 days later, we received a call stating there was a heart for her.
So as a family, we all made the dreaded trip to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. The entire trip, my mother sat with an open bible in her lap praying. We as a family prayed for God's will, we prayed for the family who had just suffered the loss of a loved one.
 We were so thankful to the family who decided to give us a Blessing, it was going to give my (our) mom a new chance at life.
 However, God had other plans, our mother suffered a massive stroke during the surgery and died days later. She in turn, help at least 3 other families with her donated organs.
In the days that followed my mothers death, Shannon and I had a huge weight on our hearts to name our unborn daughter after my mother.

Less than 6 weeks later, days after Christmas...
Edna Mae McGovern was born.
She brought joy where there sadness, she brought life and hope where there was discouragement.
Right from the moment of her birth, she was our little angel with a sweet easy going disposition. Her little round face, wispy blonde hair and the most magnificent blue eyes that seemed to touch your soul. We knew she was special to us, we just never imagined just how special she would become to so many who never even met her.
Little did we know, a short 19 months later we as her parents, had to decide to donate her organs.
How could this happen to both of our special Edna Mae's???
We honestly struggled with the decision because we wanted to be with her for her last breath. We wanted to give God, His chance to show us that He can and does perform miracles.
However, we got past those selfish thoughts with prayer. We not only wanted but needed something good to come out of losing our little girl.
So, we moved forward with the process...
 Edna Mae helped three different babies and a mother of three girls immediately with her gift of life.
Praise God! 

Thousands of adults and children die each year awaiting
organs. If more people realized the importance of becoming a donor, then so
many people wouldn't have to die.
Just think... With our little girl, she helped four other families. 

Please visit this great site about organ donation, it offers a wealth of knowledge.
http://www.donatelife.net/index.php

Benefits of Organ & Tissue Donation

The pictures posted below are from The Miracle Walks which took place to Benefit
 The Transplant Foundation.