Mom Says Her Late Daughter’s Memory Alive Through Organ Donorship

The loss of a child, no matter what age, is most undoubtedly the most difficult loss a parent can suffer in his or her life.  The loss affects parents in different ways.  Some are bitter, sorrowful and never seem to get over the loss of their child.  However there are those parents who, even though they miss their child, move on and make the decision to let their child help others live by the donation of the child’s organs. 

When Monica Chambless of Bay Minette, Alabama, received the call two years ago that her 21-year-old daughter, Cristina Hadley, had been hit by a car, she made the long drive to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to see her daughter in the hospital.  Cristina and her younger brother were walking along a road and were hit by a car. She knew, as soon as she saw her brain-dead daughter, who was on life support, that her “first baby” was gone.  Two years later, though, Chambliss says Cristina’s spirit is very much alive, thanks to organ donorship.

Cristina became an organ donor two years before her death, and now because of her generosity, six people have a new lease on life.  Doctors in Louisiana were able to transplant Cristina’s kidneys, lungs, pancreas, heart and liver and all recipients were doing great. 

The Alabama Organ Center stated there are more than 3,500 people waiting for organ transplants in the state, and also that nationally 19 people a day die before they receive a needed organ.  Ann Rayburn, the organ donor center’s senior management of professional education, said  about 30 percent of Alabama drivers are registered organ donors, and  in 2011, 110 donors were responsible for 332 organs being transplanted.

The center said the easiest way to become a donor is through drivers license registration and renewal.  Those who wish to become donors can also call 800-252-3677 or register online at www.alabamaorgancenter.org.

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