When You Give and Do Good, You Make Room To Receive, “HERE COMES THE SUN”

by Jody Miller (Mother)

Heather Miller was just 21 years old when she passed away in an alcohol related car crash in which she was the passenger in the vehicle. During this tragic loss, my husband Gary and I had our first introduction to CORE. Heather was an organ donor. It was Heather’s choice to give the most selfless gift any person can give, “The Gift Of Life”. Heather was able to donate her heart, both of her kidneys, liver, tissue, and bone. Heather’s motto was “Here Comes The Sun”, as the tattoo on her left foot clearly stated.

As parents, Gary and I never imagined what an impact this could make on our family as well as the community of Wheeling, WV. Our family attended the “Special Place” ceremony the year following her passing. What an absolute amazing event! We have learned so much about organ donation in the last 3 ½ years since her death.

We were informed that if we wrote letters to CORE, they would pass them on to Heather’s recipients. If they chose to write us they could. Of course, we did this in hopes of meeting a special person who received her organs. Since the time of her death, we have had the opportunity to meet Heather’s left kidney recipient. She is from San Diego, California. We have welcomed her into our lives and stay in contact with her.

Through CORE, we have also had conversations with Heather’s liver recipient. We will hopefully get to meet him sometime this year. Anyone that Heather has helped enhance the lives of, or has given a second chance at life through organ/tissue donation, we hope to meet.

Heather was chosen to be a part of the Donate Life Float at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California this past January. Her memorial floragraph was represented on the float. The theme of the float was “One More Day”. Our family went to Pasadena. This was an absolutely extraordinary, breath-taking, honorable, healing, and heavenly experience. It goes beyond any words.

The Miller/McGlumphy family has organized a golf scramble each year since Heather passed away. The great success of the “Heather Miller Memorial Golf Scramble” is a result of continual support and efforts by a spectacular family, as well as friends, and an extended community. Heather was just six weeks away from graduating from the West Virginia School of Nursing, so our focus is on nursing scholarships. Heather’s passion was to work in critical care in the intensive care unit, which ironically is where she passed. She also had aspirations of being a nurse anesthetist.

Our daughter has brought so much joy and honor to her family even in her passing. Our healing process is a continual stepping stone. For the gift of life she has given to others, and the many gifts she has given to us, she will always be our hero.