04/28/2026
April is National Organ Donation month when the public is made more aware of the importance and impact organ donation can make. I believe it makes a positive impact on both sides - the recipient, and the donor's family. At least it certainly has with our family. A few weeks ago, the lesson I was sharing with one of the middle school classes, was about a teenager who had to have a double lung transplant due to va**ng. It brought about a big discussion about just what organ donation is. I explained, and shared about Michael organs and that we donated them when he died. I told them about the stories keloland did regarding that, and the kids asked to see them. I ended up reaching out to keloland to ask if they had been archived somewhere, and what they did for me was beyond that simple request. They compiled them all together, put it on a youtube channel and sent me the link. Watching it became the last lesson of the year for the middle school students. I know it made an impact with them - many of them told me so. I showed the video compilation to Roger, and it was a hard view for us together. But oh, we are so glad we made the decision to donate our son's organs! Of course, we didn't want him to die. But after he did, and we made that decision, something concretely good came from his death. And we desperately needed that - then, and now. So in honor of National Organ Donation month (and since the month is nearing its end), I am sharing the videos from keloland. Twenty years ago, this happened. It is really hard to believe it has been that long - so much still feels so fresh in my mind. If you are wondering, we are still in touch with Steve and his family, and he is still doing very well! If you are able, check the little "organ donor" box on your driver's license, and make sure your family knows your wishes.
GLYNN
