http://paulcharris.org/organ-donation/
I will never forget the day we received the call.
A very dear friend’s daughter called to let us know that her 18-year old brother had been in a very serious car accident in Chesapeake, Virginia. Although the news sounded bad, we had no idea how bad until the events unfolded over the next 48 hours. Cindy Harris and her family lived in Richmond for many years before moving to Chesapeake for her husband’s job as CEO of the YMCA. Our daughters were very best friends from 3rd grade and continue to be best friends to this day. The news that Cindy’s son was in an ICU hanging on to life was difficult to grasp.
The next day, my daughters and I packed up the car and headed to Chesapeake to be there for them — not sure what we could or would do. As we walked into the ICU waiting area, the room and hallways were filled with dozens of teens and adults. There was a small room overflowing with drinks and food that people had brought to share. It was an unbelievable outpouring of love and concern for a beloved friend and his family.
Everyone rallied around the family to help them through a very difficult time. Small groups of people were telling stories of their friend and laughing as they recalled many of his hilarious antics, talking about his love for surfing and skate-boarding, and recalling all of the fun he had as a camper and friend at Camp Silver Beach each summer. Other groups were visibly shaken and emotional as they tried to comprehend what was happening. His parents, Chuck and Cindy, met us in the hallway — blurry eyed, exhausted and grateful for everyone who was around them. Few words were spoken, but much was “said” through hugs, hand-holding and shared love.
All the while, Paul was clinging to life – barely.
After what seemed like an eternity, but was only a few short days, his parents had to make the heart-wrenching decision to remove life support because doctors said he had no chance of recovery. Paul had fought a hard battle, but his body had given out. All signs of life other than the mechanical breathing of the machine were gone. The incredibly promising young life of an active, healthy, ambitious, caring and loving young man who was a student at Tidewater Community College — with plans to attend a four-year college to enter a profession to “help others” — was now gone.
Emptiness ensued. Friends and family sat quietly together in the waiting room and hallways – sobbing, reflecting, crying, and emotionally drained.
The Brave Decision
Paul’s parents say it best:
“The shock and sadness of Paul’s death was an extremely difficult time for our family. During that period, one of the most comforting thoughts was knowing that what turned out to be Paul’s final decision was the ultimate decision: Paul chose to give life through organ donation. In doing so, Paul saved and improved the lives of dozens of others. It was a simple, yet transcendent, act,” explains Chuck and Cindy Harris.
Through his generosity and desire to do something even greater with his life, Paul had selflessly made a life-changing decision for others by making the choice to donate his organs if something should happen to him. There are many people who are grateful to Paul and what his family did. Because of him, others live. How ironic that Paul’s desire to help others was continually fulfilled throughout his life and even after his death. Paul donated his corneas, liver, both kidneys, his heart valves, bone, tissue, and skin. His gifts have helped dozens of people through saving their lives or enhancing the lives of approximately 69 people.
Paul’s mother also realizes that Paul’s gifts are never-ending. “He knew for sure he wanted to ‘work with people’…how prophetic! Indeed, that is what he ended up doing through donation and through the love and friendship he left with us, forever.”
Click here to visit the website set up in honor of Paul’s life and being a donor.
You Can Help
Now, there is something we can all do to make a difference in the lives of others. The very first Virginia Transplant Games have been created by Donate Life Virginia for October 1, 2011 in Richmond, Virginia to show families that donation and transplantation saves lives. The games celebrate recipients who are allowed to live normal, healthy and productive lives because someone cared enough to become an organ donor. And it is a chance to honor those families who have loved ones who were organ donors and saved lives through their generosity and compassion.
If you and others you know want to participate, there are several ways to help. You can register to compete in events, including a 5K walk/run. You can attend as a spectator or volunteer to help with the event.
Registration is just $25 and it’s all for an incredibly important cause. Click here for more information or to access registration forms and to volunteer.
Take advantage of this opportunity to honor someone who is a living donor, celebrate your own ability to make the choice to become a donor, or remember someone who has been a donor and saved the lives of others. It’s a simple way to make a huge difference and save lives. This event could result in a donor saving your life or the life of someone you love in the future. Like Paul, you may give others a chance to live or enhance the quality of their lives.
Join us as we remember and honor Paul Harris and other organ donors who have given life to so many more. Come out to Clover High High School in Midlothian, Virginia on October 1 and make a difference. Visit the Virginia Transplant Games website to learn more or to sign-up.
