Denise Darvall, a young bank worker, was 25 years old when she went to lunch and shopping with her mother, Myrtle, and friends. While crossing the street, she and her mom got hit by a car driven by an intoxicated man. Denise’s mom died instantly, while Denise suffered serious head injuries and required a ventilator to keep her breathing. She was rushed to Groote Shurr Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Louis Washkansky, a 54…
The token that Ofelia Dominguez presented to the hospital — a framed photo of her 22-year-old daughter — inspired, comforted and guided dozens of other families as they waded through their own personal tragedies. Soon, there was a second photo on the wall beside Andrea Dominguez. Then there was a third. Each of these patients’ relatives decided to donate their organs after their deaths. The hospital soon formalized the wall and for a full year…
James Hughes Dominguez (Jimmy) was and is a beautiful young man with a beautiful, giving heart. From a very young age he put others first, giving others the benefit of the doubt and being there for his friends and family when life was sad. He took on the burdens of others without thinking of the cost to himself. He was a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and loved nature, fishing, hunting, hiking,…
Introducing . . . . . . . Bradley Jefferson Ellis That contagious smile and infectious laugh . . . . Brad, our hero. Bradley Jefferson Ellis was born on September 5, 1981 in Austin, Texas. Today, Brad is in Heaven. We could not be more proud of Brad and his decision to be an organ donor. Brad donated his heart, left kidney, right kidney, liver, pancreas, left cornea, and right cornea. Brad was a…
The Gift of Life Brian Ellis: Nov 1, 1978 – Nov 20, 2009 We each have the power to “touch the heart of another and make a difference in someone’s life.” My son Brian did both during his life and after his death. Brian was born with severe “hydrocephalus” (a condition called water on the brain). Because of his condition, I was told not to expect much, that Brian possessed little brain matter and would…
A son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and a cousin. He was loved by all. Tory brought light into a room with him when he walked in, his sense of humor was unmatched. He could tell stories that were so funny, true stories at that. He was an athlete, football and wrestling were his sports. He loved his family, he had nicknames for all of us, whether you knew it or not. A heart so full…
Jordan was my middle son of three boys and he was so sweet, smart and had the biggest smile and belly laugh. He loved to eat and loved everything I cooked and was so appreciative. Jordan loved watching and playing sports, fishing and playing with animals. He was a gentle soul. He had some bad luck with a snowboarding accident that eventually led him to heaven. Jordan was a registered organ donor and made his…
Alex Encila, was a kind and funny guy. “You would first notice his smile and big dimples,” his mom Anabelle says. Alex made friends everywhere. He played guitar, wrote his own songs, and he could easily connect with others through music. His friends were special to him. They say that he had a way of listening that made them feel valued. Alex passed away at the young age of 20 from a head injury at…
Stella Espino died unexpectedly at the age of 44 shortly before celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary. It was such a happy time during the lives of the Espino family because Juan Espino was going to get the chance to marry the love of his life all over again. In a love story that began with love at first sight it is one that still continues to grow strong, even through Stellas death. It was her…
My son, Nikolas Coltan Evans, was loved by all who came into contact with him. He was funny, compassionate and loving. He was the glue that kept his circle of friends together after high school ended and college life began. Nikolas loved his family, friends, dog, Sinatra, and his girlfriend. He was honest and fair so donating his organs was not a hard decision and one I know he would have made himself. He wrote…