Stories of Hope

Meghan’s Journey: Beating Cancer and Finding Hope Through Donation

In July 2023, Meghan walked into what she thought would be a routine mammography appointment. Instead, after a series of biopsies and ultrasounds, she received a life-changing diagnosis: breast cancer, which she learned about on August 10th. With her wedding only two months away, she faced an unimaginable challenge.

Meghan Yoder | Tissue Recipient

A Miracle of Hope: How Donation Transformed Mayah’s Life

Mayah’s inspiring journey of resilience showcases the life-changing impact of organ and tissue donation as she defies odds and overcomes medical challenges.

Mayah Schwiterman | Tissue Recipient

A Life of Generosity: Joyce Walker’s Lasting Gift

Joyce Walker’s generosity knew no bounds. A cancer survivor, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she lived her life with open arms and an open heart—always giving, always caring. Even in her passing, she continued her legacy through the gift of tissue donation.

Joyce Walker | Tissue Donor

Hayden Ellias: 2025 Rose Parade Honoree

Hayden Ellias was the vibrant middle child of Mary and Greg Ellias. The family moved from New York to Virginia, seeking a wholesome environment to raise Hayden and his siblings, who were just 9, 10, and 11 when tragedy struck.

Hayden Ellias | Tissue and Cornea Donor

More Stories

Andy Gil: A Light That Shines On

Everett: A Hero Since Day One

Calvin’s Legacy: A Life that Continues to Give

A Loving Father and Husband, and His Lasting Legacy

Hannah’s Enduring Impact of Kindness and Love

A New Heart and New Beginnings

A Legacy of Compassion and Generosity

A Police Officer’s Renewal Through the Gift of Tissue Donation

Anna’s Story of Resilience and Gratitude

Father of Four Saved by His Sister Through Paired Living Organ Donation

Devoted Family Man Saves Life Through Donation

Donation Provides Glimmer of Hope After Devastating Loss

Heart Transplant Gives Mother of Two a New Lease on Life

Double Lung Recipient Runs 5K One Year After Transplant

Military Mindset Helps Woman Navigate Heart Transplant

Gift of Liver Offers New Hope for Avid Outdoorsman

Recipient Takes Every Opportunity to Raise Donor Awareness

College Pastor is Back on the Court After Second ACL Injury

Wife Honors Husband’s Generosity by Saying Yes to Donation

Volunteering helps artist honor her husband’s generosity

April Fool’s Day Call Leads to Successful Kidney Transplant

Against All Odds, Donor’s Kidney a Match for Hometown Friend

Virginia Woman Pays it Forward as Organ Donor

Tissue implant helps Montana woman get back to her mission

Tissue graft aids breast reconstruction for woman at risk

Teen's Generosity Lives on Through the Gift of Donation

Donated Tissue Helps Put Wrestling Coach Back on the Mat

After Giving a Kidney, Richmond Man Prepares to Donate Liver

Boy Who Loved Superheroes Becomes a Real Hero as a Donor

Donation Allows Teen Athlete to Get Back in the Game

Gift of Donor Tissue Saves Virginia Softball Star's Career

Donated Skin Grafts Save Pennsylvania Woman’s Foot

Family Man and Business Mentor Lives on Through Others

Gift of Donation Helps a Builder Get Back to Work

Purple Heart Recipient Leaves Gifts for Others in Need

Tissue Grafts Help Woman Return to Hiking After Serious Injury

Loss of son led to advocacy for mother Kim McMahon

Tissue Donation Puts Emergency Manager Back in Action

Massachusetts Woman Receives Lifesaving Bone Implant

Tissue Donation gives Quality of Life Back to Surgeon

Basketball Fan Rebounds with the Gift of a New Heart

Gift of Donated Tissue Saves Tennis Player's Career

Donor tissue graft helps grandfather regain use of arm

Donated tissue gives grandmother a new lease on life

Boy Becomes a Tissue Donor in One Final Act of Kindness

Heart Transplant Inspires Woman to Pay it Forward

Donated Tendon Puts Dreams Back in Reach for Teen Athlete

Donor Gift Helps Woman Recover From Debilitating Injuries

Busy Mom Can Walk Without Pain Thanks to Donor ACL Graft

Kidney Recipient Meets His Donor’s Mother

Transplant Offers Workout Warrior New Lease on Life

Donor Heart Valve Provides Hope for Newborn

Parents Find Silver Lining in Decision to Donate Son's tissue

A Young Life of Service Culminates in the Ultimate Gift

A Former First Responder Receives the Gift of Life

A Family Man and Avid Tennis Player Learns About the Gift of Tissue Donation

A Father, Husband, and Gentle Giant Gives the Gift of Donation

A Beloved Teen Gives the Gift of Sight

A Family Man Provides Hope Through Donation of His Kidneys

Teenage Sports Star Receives Cartilage Grafts and New Hope

One Last Act of Positivity Includes Donation

A Living Donor Helps His Cousin With Kidney Donation

A Teenage Athlete Helps Many with His Gift of Donation

Gift of Tissue Donation Helps Mason General Hospital Nurse Overcome Long-Term Knee Injury and Get Back to Active Lifestyle

A Nurse Experiences, Firsthand, the Impact of Tissue Donation

A Donor With a Loving Spirit Helps Others Through Donation

A Star Wars Enthusiast Provided 129 Gifts of Donation

A Hiker Walks Down the Aisle at Her Wedding Because of A Donor's Gift

Back to Enjoying the Great Outdoors Because of the Gift of Donation

A Firefighter Whose Last Act Was the Gift of Donation

A Surgical Nurse Experiences the Firsthand Impact of Tissue Donation

A High School Athlete is Able to Play Sports Again

After Eight Years on the National List, Wallace Received a Kidney

Honoring Her Donor's Gift Every Day

He was a Giver Who Enjoyed Life to the Fullest

Living the Best Life in Honor of Donor's Legacy

Chip Was Always A Person Who Gave Back to Others

His Desire to Donate Enhanced 26 Lives

Honoring Her Husband's Wishes to Donate Helped So Many Patients In Need

Donation Saved Jeff and Will Allow Him to Continue to Save Others

Ron Knew That He Wanted to be a Donor Before He Became Ill

Even With Illness and Medications, Tony was Still Able to Help Through Donation

Something Good After a Tragedy

A Family Honors Their Daughter's Wishes to Help Others Through Donation

An Extraordinary Example of How Impactful Each Donor Can Truly Be

Back on a Bike Because of a Donor's Gift

A Gift Which Helped the Recipient Care for Others

TJ's Gifts Touched the Lives of 35 People

An Athlete's Gift to Help Others

A Mother's Story of Hope

Living the Life She Always Dreamed About

A Lasting Legacy

A Restorative Gift

Giving Hope with Healing

A Meeting to Remember

A Very Special Meeting