LIFE CONNECTION OF OHIO IS PROUD TO OFFER AN AFTERCARE PROGRAM for donor families whose loved ones have given the gift of life through organ donation. The program includes bereavement support and opportunities for donor families to honor their loved one’s lifesaving legacy. After the 15-month program concludes, donor families are encouraged to join Life Connection of Ohio’s volunteer family for continuous support.
It is a privilege for Life Connection of Ohio’s Family Aftercare Coordinators to companion donor families along their grief journeys.
Proud moms like Andrea Jacobs
Andrea’s son, Donovon, was all about family. The 27-year-old with the tough exterior was a softie when it came to his niece and nephews. He enjoyed playing basketball, cooking perfect pancakes, writing rap poems, and making people laugh. Sadly, on June 3, 2010, Donovon passed away. But his loving, giving spirit continued when he gave the gift of life through organ donation. “Organ donation was a way for me to hold on and not have to completely let go of my son,” Andrea said. Knowing that Donovon’s last act was giving the gift of life is something that brings Andrea comfort. “Usually with a donation, you don’t expect anything in return. Not so with Life Connection of Ohio! To show their gratitude, they allow the memory of your loved one to never die. They embrace each word of your loved one’s story and share it with others. They will turn the most difficult moment into a new chapter—when you’re ready to step into it,” Andrea said.
Proud dads like Dwayne Palmer Dwayne’s 14-year-old son, Tyler, was quiet and quirky, and he was always making people laugh. He was generous and kind, and he loved his family and friends. He was very protective of his younger sister, Haley, who still views her brother as her hero. Sadly, Tyler died on May 21, 2008. Tyler always wanted to be a superhero, and on that day, he was. “Of course we wish Tyler were here with us every single day, but the fact that he was able to give life to seven other people, sight to two, and his tissue donation touched the lives of many others is incredible,” Dwayne said. Dwayne is organizing the 16th annual Tyler James Palmer Memorial Golf Outing, set for Saturday, June 1 at Heatherdowns Country Club. The goal of the outing is to honor Tyler’s lifesaving legacy, raise money for the scholarship fund in Tyler’s name at Start High School, and educate the community about the importance of organ donation.
Proud daughters like Ashley Shaffer Ashley’s father, Tracy, was kind and generous. He was very handy and even built his family’s home. He was active in his church and was always willing to help others. Twelveyear- old Ashley’s world stopped on May 5, 2001, when her father passed away. That day, he gave the gift of life through organ donation. She considers organ donation a gift not only to her father’s recipients, but to her family as well. “While my dad was alive, he made a point to put others first. His life was always centered around serving others. When he passed away at the young age of 38, it only seemed fitting that he would continue to give back to others. This time, it was something much greater—the gift of life,” Ashley said. “It’s incredible to know that my dad’s legacy is left not only in the spirit of the children he left behind, but he extended the gift of life to seven others who might not still be here otherwise. I can’t think of any greater legacy than to leave behind a legacy that quite literally outlives you.”
Proud sons like Kevin Fultz Kevin’s father, Michael Keith, enjoyed biking, walking, softball, fishing, crabbing, cruising, and singing. He had a unique ability to make people feel like they had been friends for years even if they had only just met. He was always quick to share a smile or start a conversation, and he loved people. Michael Keith served as a police officer for 25 years, and even in his death on April 15, 2016, he still found a way to serve—by giving the gift of life through organ donation. “We get home, and there’s one less person in the house. We were struggling. I went through a period of time where I was really mad that my dad died, and I felt like there was nothing to celebrate. But then we got involved with Life Connection of Ohio and realized the good things that came from organ donation. We
n felt welcomed and understood and cared for. We could really feel the love, and that was big for us,” Kevin said. An unexpected plot twist: Michael Keith’s lifesaving legacy led Kevin down a new career path. For the past two years, Kevin has served as Life Connection of Ohio’s Community Education Coordinator. “My dad is the reason why I do the work that I do now—encouraging others to consider becoming donors,” Kevin said.
Life Connection of Ohio is the nonprofit organization that serves families and saves lives through organ donation. To learn more about organ donation or to say “yes” to saving lives, visit lifeconnection.org. Kara Steele is Director of Community Services for Life Connection of Ohio. ✲
