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They say that there are no random acts only a path that we are meant to be on; I was never a donor on my license until I lived through my life now.

Allan was a good soul always tried to help others and I don’t know why this man loved me so much but for some reason we were chosen to be. I now see this as one random act put us together by working at the same location, at that point it was rocky on and off, by no means a perfect relationship I even left the state. Now I believe that God just kept crossing our paths and it is unfortunate that we did not listen, as Allan said we could of had more time together. I know now never wait to say what is in your heart because it may be too late.

We did marry and thought we would grow old together as we always held hands where ever we went and were rarely ever apart. I kept all the notes he wrote to me in and out of the hospitals visits.  Allan getting sick was never part of the plan and I realize you just never know. Allan went through stents, four bypasses, two failed, a mechanical heart and ultimately a heart transplant all in all the chest was cracked open seven times. In the early hours of Oct 9, 2000, we got a call that a heart came in for him, there is never a true guarantee but at the same time a huge loss was the parents of their son who was brain dead. I never knew their name just that they were in San Diego, they saved so many lives with the donations of life from their son. I hope now that my husband met him in heaven and they are so much more than friends. Many blessing to these wonderful parents who endured a huge heartache and one that I now know.

In all of this Allan had ten more years granted he had other medical problems and put up a good fight but in the end he gave in to the severe issues that were upon him, not that he wanted to leave but he was just too tired. We were thankful for the time we had and I only wish it was more. I knew we would never grow old together but we always had each others back every time.

Allan died March 6, 2011 my beautiful soulmate who told me on his death bed that he knew from the beginning that I was always going to be his wife. In our marriage, we had just become as one and in the end I knew and followed his wishes. You see you can be both a recipient and a donor and in the end we donated, skin, cornea, and whatever else we could. All I can hope for is that he has helped many more because he wanted to give back. I guess pass it forward. My love and soulmate that I miss with all my heart and soul but we will be together again.

I am also now a donor because of what my life turned out to be. I don’t know what my purpose in all this is now because I lost the most important half of me, he is in heaven waiting, I do want others to know how important donation is especially to be there to spend what precious little time you have on this earth because tomorrow is promised to nobody.

Konrad was filling out his driver’s license renewal in April 2016. “Mom, do you think that I should be an organ donor?” he asked. “Sweetie, that is totally a personal decision, you have to do what feels right to you,” I replied. “Are you, mom?” he asked. “Yes, I am. I figured that if I couldn’t use them (my organs) any more and it could help someone else, why not?” I responded. “I’m going to do it!” was his final decision. Eight months later, two days after Thanksgiving, Konrad was lifting weights and felt a “click” in his head followed by an intense headache. His father, a doctor, advised him to go immediately to the ER. We wanted to rule out a brain aneurysm. By the time that we met him at the ER, it had already been discovered that he did indeed have an aneurysm, and it was bad. Very large and in a terrible location. Four days later it ruptured and Konrad underwent a 17 hour surgery to try to save his life. He survived for 12 days, in a coma, never regaining consciousness.

Konrad had lived his dream. He graduated from Stanford University and went on to play in the NFL, two goals that he had set for himself when he was a child. Konrad took his profession very seriously and was in the best shape of his life. Everything that he did was calculated. From making sure that he ate the right foods, not drinking in excess, and getting plenty of rest. He worked out every day. Konrad was a large young man standing 6’6″ and weighing 270 lbs. He also had a large enthusiasm and passion for life, family and friends. The oldest of three boys, he was the “glue” of the family. He had the dual roles of being the youngest adult and the oldest kid, both of which he fulfilled admirably. His appetite for everything was also large! When you had a meal with Konrad, it was an event. When he was around, everyone was sure to have a fantastic time. With his infectious laugh and fun loving nature, you couldn’t help but laugh and have a good time with him. He was always quick to lend a helping hand when it was needed. This is evident in the fact that in his final act he selflessly donated his organs and tissue so that others could be saved or helped. He lives on and is still helping others. Our pride in Konrad is never ending. He is forever in our hearts and thoughts.

I contracted hepatitis C while serving in the U.S. Air Force, a virus which eventually destroyed my liver. By 2004 I was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and placed on the national waiting list for a liver transplant. I was on the list for nearly four years before receiving a life-saving liver transplant in 2008. That time waiting for a life-saving transplant was transformative, the worst of times and the best of times. I do believe, however, that I am a stronger, wiser and a more compassionate person as a result of that experience. It has left me with the deepest respect for those who make the decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors, including my own donor family. I had the rare opportunity to personally meet and thank them for the gift they gave me, and I am grateful for that experience. But for my donor family’s compassionate decision to donate the organs of their loved one to save the life of a stranger, my story would have ended long ago. After a successful liver transplant I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to pay it forward by volunteering as a OneLegacy Ambassador and as a member of Team SoCal, educating our communities and encouraging organ, eye and tissue donation. I am grateful for a second chance at life, and I hope my story will inspire someone to be the hope for those waiting for their own life-saving transplant by registering to be organ, eye and tissue donor.