Jaimy Burdine, 33, from Buckeye, Arizona, was kind, fearless and a devoted mother of two kids. Her children were her life, a life she sacrificed for them.

According to Jaimy’s mother, Vikki Burdine, Jaimy wasn’t afraid of anything.

“She learned to roller skate at the age of two, and removed her training wheels at three; she feared nothing as a child” says Vikki.

 

April 5, 2015, was supposed to be a joyful day, not only because it was Easter Sunday, but also because the family had chosen this day to celebrate Jaimy’s youngest son’s first birthday. Everything was ready for the celebration, including dinner plans with family and friends later in the day.

Jaimy, her son and Vikki kicked off the day by going on a horse cart ride, something they had done many times before. However, the peaceful ride turned into tragedy when the horse was startled and began to run uncontrollably. Vikki, who had many years of equestrian experience, tried to make the family horse stop, but she wasn’t able to.

Jaimy feared for her son’s life as the horse kept running; she knew she had to make a decision to protect him from harm’s way. Jaimy held her son tightly into her arms and made the brave decision to jump backwards from the cart while the horse kept running. This heroic act saved her son’s life, who only suffered a few scratches. However, Jaimy landed on her back and hit her head on the ground, suffering a devastating brain injury.

Vikki was able to escape when the horse fell trying to make a turn. She ran back to her daughter’s aid while paramedics tried to save her. Sadly, Jaimy’s injuries were too severe. She took her last breath in her mother’s arms.

 

Arizona Department of Transportation MVD Saves Lives Month

After her daughter passed away, Vikki learned that Jaimy had registered at the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD) as an organ and tissue donor.

“Jaimy always wanted to help others, but thought she had little to offer. She would’ve never believed she could save her son’s life – and, ironically, because she registered as a donor, she was able to save four more lives and make life better for countless more,” says Vikki.

 

Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) celebrates August as ADOT MVD Saves Lives Month as a way to show appreciation for ADOT MVD’s important role in helping save and heal lives. Since 2003, this crucial partnership makes the most of life through the gift of organ and tissue donation, as 95 percent of donor registrations come from Arizonans making the generous decision to check the box when applying for or renewing their driver license or ID.

“Making the decision to donate your organs is a very meaningful one,” says MVD Director Eric Jorgensen. “Through our great partnership with the Donor Network of Arizona, we’re able to help make it easier for people to sign up.”

 

Currently in our state, nearly 2,300 patients are waiting on the transplant list for the gift of life. Arizonans can help save and heal lives by registering as organ and tissue donors by checking the box at ADOT MVD when they renew or obtain a new ID, or by visiting www.DonateLifeAZ.org.