Stories of Hope

Jarod has come a long way since spending his 13th birthday in the hospital waiting for a donor heart -- he's reached Eagle Scout and the Governor's office.

Juan "Jay" Salazar's parents and three sisters miss him every day, but they say it's remembering that Jay gave the gift of life that gives them the courage to continue on.

For Jen, the most important thing has always been helping others. Thanks to two generous kidney donors, she now has the health and strength to devote to it.

Living kidney donor, Jennifer, has a message to share: "Life is precious and life is a gift. By registering to be a donor, you're declaring your hope of being a bridge of life for someone else."

To look at Jennifer, it’s hard to tell that she’s as sick as she really is. To most people who spend time around this real estate professional and single mom of three, Jennifer looks “normal.” But as she has learned, there’s nothing “normal” about chronic illness.

“I get up every morning and I look out the window and it is absolutely a beautiful thing to be able to see. To me, it's a miracle.”

Alejandra’s life changed when her younger brother, Jose, suffered an unexpected heart attack at the age of 35.

Even at her sickest, Juana Hernandez believed in helping her family and community. With her donor's kidney, she has much more energy to continue serving those around her.

Justice's transplant was a gift of hope. We are lucky that Justice is able to play, grow, learn, and love. Everyone should have that chance.

While Justin left behind the memories of an active young man that brought smiles to his classmates and family, it was his legacy of being an organ donor that left the biggest impact.