Evan’s Story

Evan, my friend’s younger brother, was an amazing boy. He excelled in cross-country and was a computer genius, designing Web sites and computer programs at the age of 14. Evan was curious in nature, always asking questions about everything! He was unique and hardworking, willing to work three jobs to buy a car when he turned 16. Evan reached for the stars, planning on becoming a fighter pilot.

Unfortunately, he never achieved his dream because he was killed while riding his bicycle on Oct. 20, 2001. A few weeks prior to the accident, Evan informed his family that he wanted to be an organ donor. They decided to carry out his wishes by helping save other lives.

Knowing that Evan didn’t lose his life in vain helped us cope with our loss. Giving others the chance to live was the only thing that made sense out of losing a beautiful 14-year-old boy.

Vanessa's Story

I know all too well what it’s like to wait for something. Most college students do. We wait in line to register for classes and buy books every semester. None of it compares, however, to the time I spent waiting for my Dad to get a liver transplant. I’ll never forget the moment when his physician uttered the words: your father needs a transplant.

I didn’t want to believe it. I was hoping that it was just a bad dream. Unfortunately, it wasn’t and it changed everyday life for my family. When the phone rang, we always wondered if it was the transplant program calling to let us know that a liver had become available. It’s the only thing you can think about. I wondered: When is it our turn? When is my Dad going to get the call?

He’s alive today because someone chose to give the gift of life. Thanks to his donor, we have a bright future ahead.

J.P.’s Story

At the age of 24, most people are planning their future, starting a family of their own and enjoying what are possibly the best years of their lives. For the past six years, my life has taken a different path. I have been dealing with serious health problems and wondering when that call will come—the call that will mean that I get a second chance at life. Since I was 18 years old, I have been waiting for a liver transplant that will enable me to live a more normal life—with less pain, less worry and less uncertainty.

After being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and cirrhosis, I was placed on the national transplant waiting list. Since then, I have battled an illness that does not allow much of a normal life. With the medication (seven types, three times per day) and recurring symptoms combined, I am restricted in what I am able to do each day. The waiting may be the hardest part—not knowing what will happen. Will I receive a transplant soon? How sick will I get? Will the transplant come in time?

Luckily, I have hope in sight. I wait each day for the call that tells me a liver is available. I plan to get married soon and start a family. There are so many things that I look forward to doing once my health improves. I am so grateful to the families that say ‘yes’ to donation, and I know that it is their decision that will give me, and so many others, that second chance at life.

Jillian

Jillian Black had a unique college experience. At the age of 20, she received the gift of life--a heart transplant. Not one to sit around feeling sorry for herself, Jillian was quickly back into the swing of things - back to school, volunteering and enjoying relationships with her family and boyfriend. Passionate about spreading the word and sharing information on organ and tissue donation, she became very involved with the Florida Coalition on Donation's Get Carded program. This year, she graduated with a degree in Mass Communication.

Only weeks after graduation, four years after she had received her heart transplant, Jillian passed away unexpectedly. True to the determination that Jillian showed in all aspects of her life, her heart was beating strongly until the end. In her death, Jillian did as she lived - and she gave the gift of life as an organ and tissue donor, providing both kidneys and corneas for transplant.

The Black family carries on Jillian's legacy in her memory - continuing to share her story of life and survival with others, as well as the importance of organ and tissue donation.