Stories of Hope

Nelson's illness came suddenly and quickly led to a life of medications, restrictions, and dialysis. But now, because of the generosity of a donor, Nelson is living to encourage those still on the waiting list.

Nevaeh was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome as a child, but for years it lay dormant. As a teen, it was her knees that gave her problems. This led to her receiving tissue allografts. Now, at 17, she is facing kidney failure.

Nick's bright future came to a tragic and sudden end during a car crash when he was only 18. Through cornea and tissue donation, he enhanced the futures of 52 recipients.

In Kindergarten, Nicole and Anna were such good friends that they pretended to be sisters. But since Nicole donated a kidney to Anna in 2007, they "share" a kidney and the gift of life - a bond they feel is closer than sisters.

Norrine is grateful for breath, life, and the ability to serve -- both the Donate Life community and the Native American community.

When Patrice Morris Ball says that she believes in organ, eye, and tissue donation, she means it.

My son, Paul Pantle, was passionate about life and lived it to the fullest each day. Paul's laughter is the biggest thing I miss about him.

Phil, a retiree in Umatilla, is one of our most enthusiastic longtime volunteers. In December 2022, he will celebrate 10 years with the donated heart that saved his life – and almost as long volunteering for DLNW.

Patricia “PJ” Iorg was raised to help others whenever possible. At first, that translated into becoming a regular blood donor. Then, her boss told her that he needed a kidney transplant.

Type 1 diabetes took its toll on Renee, and for two years, she has been waiting for a kidney transplant. She looks forward to the day when she is finally free from dialysis and able to live her life fully.