Summer of giving
07/30/2024SMALL DONOR, BIG IMPACT
Kyson Land was a spunky 2-year-old who loved superheroes and was always trying to help others. In November 2019, Land got sick and wasn’t getting better. He was hospitalized and declared brain dead, and his parents immediately thought of giving someone else a second chance through organ donation.
I know we made the right decision. Everyone searches for their purpose in life, and he found his purpose at 2 years old,” says Taryn Salum, Land’s mother.
The hospital held an honor walk for this little superhero, and Land went on to save three people, including two other 2-year-olds. Salum received a letter from his heart recipient and has since written to all his recipients.
“Other than the births of both my children, [receiving the letter] was the highlight of my life,” says Salum.
THE POWER TO HEAL
While organ and tissue transplantation surgeries are now standard and highly successful procedures, the need for organ and tissue donation is still great. Hundreds of thousands of people wait to receive lifesaving organ transplants and life-healing tissue transplants in Arizona and across the nation.
In 2023, 865 lives were saved thanks to the generosity of a record-breaking 349 donors in Arizona. This could not have been made possible without the individuals who made the decision to share life as an organ and tissue donor.
CHOOSING SELFLESSNESS
Acts of generosity can bring a welcomed relief to those in need, just like a refreshing summer breeze. Throughout the summer months , let’s cool down the world with kindness and compassion.
How? Join the 211,764 Arizonans who registered as an organ and tissue donor last year. Declare your decision today as an organ and tissue donor at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.
A HEARTFELT REUNION
Eight years after receiving a life–saving heart transplant, David Axmear finally met Nicole Worrior, the mother of his donor, Richard Nicholas Umberger. Their emotional reunion celebrated the power of organ donation.
“I hope she’s not disappointed,” Axmear nervously admitted before their meeting. But any apprehension vanished as Worrior embraced him. An connection formed, as a piece of her son lived on in Axmear.
Their meeting overflowed with emotion and gratitude. Worrior listened to Axmear’s heart with her own stethoscope from her days as an RN, a moment highlighting her son’s enduring legacy. Tears streaming down her face, she whispered, “Promise made, promise kept.”
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of organ donation’s life-changing impact.
SIGN UP.SAVE LIVES.
This summer, share the gift of life.
As an organ and tissue donor, you can save lives just like Kyson and Richard! Register your decision today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or at an MVD or third-party office when you apply or renew for a driver license or state ID.