Dozens of balloons were released as part of the Donor Alliance's Donor Family Tribute in Parker, Colo. (May 23, 2010) |
PARKER, Colo. - 85 families were honored Sunday for giving the ultimate gift: the gift of life.
The Donor Alliance's Donor Family Tribute honored families of loved ones who made organ and tissue donations over the last two years. The event was held at the Wildlife Experience in Parker.
Catherine Tidd was one of the speakers. Her husband, Brad, died in an accident in 2007, leaving her with three children ages five, three and one.
"It was a tragic day for us, but it's comforting to know what he's done," Catherine said.
Brad's heart went to a 32-year-old father living in Colorado Springs. Catherine has not met the people who received Brad's organs, but at the Donor Family Tribute, she got to see families on the other side.
Connor Randall is a two-time heart transplant recipient. When he was born, his heart was not fully developed. He had his first transplant when he was a baby and his second as a teenager.
Now 18-years-old, Connor is senior class president and is about to graduate from Ralston Valley High School in Arvada. He thanks to families like those honored at the Donor Family Tribute.
"We are very thankful and grateful, and it's because of people like this that I get to get up and graduate next week," Randall said.
In Colorado and Wyoming, there are more than 2,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One donor can touch more than 100 lives. If you would like to donate, you can register at www.DonorAlliance.org.\
The Donor Alliance's Donor Family Tribute honored families of loved ones who made organ and tissue donations over the last two years. The event was held at the Wildlife Experience in Parker.
Catherine Tidd was one of the speakers. Her husband, Brad, died in an accident in 2007, leaving her with three children ages five, three and one.
"It was a tragic day for us, but it's comforting to know what he's done," Catherine said.
Brad's heart went to a 32-year-old father living in Colorado Springs. Catherine has not met the people who received Brad's organs, but at the Donor Family Tribute, she got to see families on the other side.
Connor Randall is a two-time heart transplant recipient. When he was born, his heart was not fully developed. He had his first transplant when he was a baby and his second as a teenager.
Now 18-years-old, Connor is senior class president and is about to graduate from Ralston Valley High School in Arvada. He thanks to families like those honored at the Donor Family Tribute.
"We are very thankful and grateful, and it's because of people like this that I get to get up and graduate next week," Randall said.
In Colorado and Wyoming, there are more than 2,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One donor can touch more than 100 lives. If you would like to donate, you can register at www.DonorAlliance.org.\
