Dalton
Dalton Criss was from Plattsburgh, New York- a 2019 graduate of Peru Central Highschool where he was a standout football player and two-time state champion wrestler. While competitive, Dalton was humble and beloved in his community. He made it a priority to be a friend to many. While preparing to begin his college studies to pursue a career in criminal justice, Dalton became involved in a tragic car accident. Knowing that Dalton had registered to be a donor, his family ensured that they honored his wishes. Dalton has since saved 4 lives and will forever be remembered as a hero to many.
Libby
Elizabeth "Libby" Hanzl D'Avignon was a resident of Middlebury, Vermont who was known for her generosity and spirit of life. That spirit of life now lives on in the memories of family & friends as well as in the lives of the 4 people she saved. Libby's donation featured the first "honor walk" at University of Vermont Medical Center where hundreds of staff lined the hallways to pay tribute to Libby prior to her donation. Video of Libby's honor walk has since been seen by millions of people worldwide, inspiring awareness about the heroic act of saving others through organ & tissue donation.
Meghan
Meghan Smith will always be remembered as a loving parent, selfless caregiver and donor hero. After a sudden injury in January 2019, Meghan's family honored her wishes to give life to others through organ donation. Meghan went on to save 3 lives.
Matthew
Frank and Joanne Calvey describe their son Matthew as one of a kind. He was known for his great sense of humor with funny t-shirts, love of music, and never giving up. Born with a diagnosis of Lowe Syndrome he made it through certain physical limitations, but always continued to live his life to the fullest. Matthew's gift of organs and tissues will impact countless people who will forever hold Matthew as their donor hero. Read & watch his story by clicking here
Liana
Liana LaMountain-McCarthy embraced life and always lit up the room with her energetic personality. Beloved by her parents, husband, many family members and friends, Liana's love for life will always be remembered. In September 2018, family and the staff at Ellis Hospital gathered together to honor Liana as she gave the gift of life to 4 recipients awaiting organ transplantation.
Meg
When Meg Cahill renewed her driver's license, she shared with her family that she had made the decision to be a donor. In December 2018, Meg suffered a severe injury from which she would not recover. Faced with her loss but remembering her wishes to help others through donation, Meg's family honored her wish to donate. Now, 2 people have received life-saving transplants and will always remember Meg as their donor hero.
Kimberlee
For Kimberlee Jump, life was centered around her family, spending every minute she had enjoying time with her loved ones. She believed strongly in helping others, being an avid blood donor for the American Red Cross. In August of 2018, Kimberlee passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side. In knowing how proud Kimberlee was of helping others, her family knew she would want to help others through organ and tissue donation.
Jim & Andrea
Almost 30 years ago, Jim Carter’s daughter Andrea, then a 17-year-old high school student, died after the truck in which she was riding was hit by another vehicle. Knowing how caring their daughter was, Jim and his wife, Sue, consented to donation. Andrea’s heart, kidneys, liver and corneas were all recovered for transplantation. Following Andrea’s death, Jim became involved in support groups for donor families and recipients as well as providing community outreach and education programs. His two main themes: the importance of seat belt safety and the life-saving benefits of organ donation. To date, he has given thousands of presentations. “I never get tired of talking about Andrea and about donation,” Jim says. “The act of donating meant a lot to me and my family, and the feedback I get from my volunteering makes me feel like I am really making a difference.”