Search this site
127 results found with an empty search
- Jason Kahekili McCollough | TransplantLife
Jason Kahekili McCollough Waianae, HI Team Hawaii May 19, 1974 - March 05, 2012 Beloved Son Jason was a loving and caring person who loved to be around his family and friends. He had a passion for arts and crafts and was always happiest when he was creating projects that he could share with others. He loved listening to the music of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey and enjoyed sharing it with others, so he never went anywhere without his "Boombox". We love and miss him and he will forever be in our hearts. We are so proud that he was able to give LIFE to others.
- Richard Scott Colomy Jr III | TransplantLife
Richard Scott Colomy Jr III Bensalem, PA Team Philadelphia June 10, 1993 - February 01, 2015 What the heart once known shall never forget! This is my son Richard known to all as Rickey My son decided to be a donor when registering for his licenses. We lost our son in 2015. Trying to process it all & being overwhelmed knowing who Rickey is we decided to honor his wishes. Because giving back was Rickey. Everyone who knew him always said his smile was infectious & he had a heart of gold! He would gather donation & provide to families at the Plastic Surgery Unit at CHOP Hospital where he was a patient for over 20 years. He was always helping someone in need. Family & Friends would say it was impossible not to love this kid, or Rickey was truly the definition of a Free Spirit! His little sister states My big Brother Rickey always looked after me he’s still my hero. Through our grief. We wanted to bring something positive out of our loss. So Rickey's voice & legacy will continue on. We have done several projects & continue to do walkathons & The Donor Dash! Giving Back in his Memory. His High School since has decided to name the ROTC Equipment Room after him!Any chance we have to bring awareness for Tissue/Organ Donation, we're there. This has helped our family towards the healing process. It's a long road ahead. But I couldn't be more prouder of My Son Rickey. We are here today to help Celebrate & Honor not only his life but all the Donors & cheer on the recipients. My Son Richard was an amazing young man he is loved & missed by so many. He will forever be with us in our hearts. What the heart once known shall never forget! WE LOVE YOU BUDDY YOUR WITH ME ALWAYS KIDDO LOVE MOMMA, SISSY EMME & STEPDAD JOHN XOXOXOXO
- Emily C. Lyons | TransplantLife
Emily C. Lyons Beaver Dam, WI Team Wisconsin October 04, 1995 - March 03, 2015 #EMSTRONG I am a very proud mother! On March 2, 2015, after a tragic snowmobile accident, my daughter Emily completed her final selfless act and saved six lives. She gave sight to two others and improved the lives of over 50 people in 22 different states. She was bright in the physical world and continues to be just as bring as a spirit. Emmy's ripple effect is still changing the world and I am grateful to be a part of it. She is deeply missed by not only her family and friends, but by the entire community. Life goes on, but it's not the same. Emily has taught us all to live life to the fullest, be thoughtful, be strong, be kind, and help take care of your fellow human beings. #EMSTRONG
- Benjamin Ellington Harvey | TransplantLife
Benjamin Ellington Harvey Little Rock, AR Team Arkansas June 07, 1985 - August 30, 2015 Loved Life, Loved by All Benjamin was the most gentle and loving person. He was adored by all who knew him. All his friends came to him for advice as did his mother. He was a natural athlete and was very active in spite of having been diagnosed with Juvenile Onset Type I Diabetes at the age of 7. He immediately took responsibility for the chronic disease and never complained no matter what happened. He was always the life of the party. Benjamin loved all living creatures and volunteered at pet shelters and was instrumental in finding homes for hundreds of unwanted pets. Benjamin was creative from the very beginning. Always an individual and champion of the less fortunate. He graduated from the University of Arkansas and was a graphic design artist. Benjamin died from complications of Juvenile Onset Type I Diabetes. Benjamin battled the disease for 23 years. He is loved and sorely missed by his Mother and all those who knew and adored him.
- Antonio Bennett | TransplantLife
Antonio Bennett Gonzales, LA Team Louisiana February 24, 1988 - June 05, 2008 Tina's Forever Friend Thank you for being an organ donor and for the gift you have given me. For the last 10 years I have lived healthier and had a better quality of life. You have truly been a blessing to me and my family.
- Jason Moody | TransplantLife
Jason Moody Leesville, LA Team Louisiana November 15, 1988 - May 29, 2006 Beloved Son and Brother Jason was born on November 15, 1988 in Germany. He was our miracle baby because it took seven years to have him. He was a fine Christian young man. He always had a smile for everyone. God took him home May 29, 2006 at the age of 17. He will always live in our hearts. Jason saved four people with his gift of his heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas.
- HonorLife: Steps For Service | TransplantLife
HonorLife: Steps For Service Transplant Life Foundation ran its second Hon orLife: Steps for Service Challenge in the month of May. Thank you to all who participated in our month-long virtual challenge where your steps have the power to change lives. These brave individuals have served and sacrificed for our nation, and now it’s our turn to ensure they receive the resources and support they need for organ donation and trans plantation. Every step helped raise awareness for veterans and active-duty military members in the trasnplant com munity. Plus, every dollar raised was matched by Transplant Life Foundation to provide travel sti pends for veterans attending the 2026 Transplant Games in Denver, Colorado. Congratulations to all who registered and stepped up to honor those who have served and fought for their health. Whether you walked in your neighbor hood, on a treadmill, or alongside a group of friends, every step tracked effortlessly through the Pacer App made a difference. Thanks to 94 participants , including our weekly win ners profiled below, 20,844,032 steps were taken to support military families navigating the transplant process. Apply for a Transplant Games Travel Stipend HonorLife: Veterans and Active Duty Impact The Transplant Life Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions of veterans and active-duty military members within the transplant community. These brave individuals have served and sacrificed for our nation, and now it's our turn to ensure they receive the resources and support they need for organ donation and transplantation. We are proud to announce our initiative to honor active-duty military and veterans in our community who have received transplants, those who are living donors, caregivers, and families of deceased donors. Funds raised for the HonorLife: Steps for Service challenge will be matched by the Transplant Life Foundation to provide travel stipends for veterans to attend the 2026 Transplant Games in Denver, CO, from June 18-23. 2025 Weekly Winners 1st Weekly Winner: Kathie Neyman Kathie is a non-directed kidney donor, having donated her right kidney two years ago on December 20, 2022. She says her life has been forever changed by the experience. Through kidney donation, Kathie has learned a great deal about the critical need for organ donors and has met many amazing people along the way. She is passionate about volunteering and advocating for organ donation awareness. Kathie wishes more people understood the joys of living organ donation — and that it’s absolutely possible to live a healthy, active life after donating. Recently, Kathie and her husband moved from Atlanta to Camden, Maine, where she enjoys daily walks through the scenic town. She shared a photo from a recent walk along the water, celebrating the arrival of spring and the beautiful weather. As a member of Team New England, Kathie is excited to attend next summer’s games in Colorado — her first time participating — and looks forward to connecting with others in the transplant community. She plans to compete in pickleball and is considering some swimming events as well. Her motivation is to show others that maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle post-donation is not only possible — it’s incredibly rewarding. She even feels healthier now than she did before donating. Kathie embraces new challenges with enthusiasm and lives by the motto: “Go big or go home.” 2nd Weekly Winner: Tracy Wingo Walking 14 miles—or 30,000 steps—per day was no small feat. Along the way, she discovered a lot about herself and experienced both the highs and lows alongside the dedicated individuals who are pushing one another to new limits. She especially enjoyed reading the stories shared by others about why they’re participating and hopes to meet them in person at the 2026 Denver Games.Tracy expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Transplant Life Foundation for all they do. As a transplant recipient, she received a kidney five years ago from a dear friend she met through the running community. Staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle is her way of honoring that incredible gift.Tracy works with the Transplant Community Alliance, a local Arizona nonprofit that supports transplant recipients and their caregivers. She is currently part of Team Arizona and looks forward to attending the 2026 Games in Denver.She learned about this challenge through the Transplant Life Foundation. While she isn’t directly associated with the military, some of her teammates are veterans, and she’s deeply grateful for their service.This challenge has been tough, but the motivation and inspiration from the group have pushed Tracy to work harder—she’s thankful for every sore muscle and even her currently ugly feet! She loves surrounding herself with people who uplift and inspire, and she hopes her journey encourages others to fully embrace life.Tracy also extends heartfelt thanks to her sweet partner, Jeff, who walked most of the steps with her, shared in the discomforts, and continues to push her forward. They spent many hours walking together, talking, and watching motivational videos on their phones to help pass the time.This week, Tracy is celebrating her daughter’s high school graduation, moments like these remind her how precious life is, and how the gift of transplant has made it all possible. Every milestone, every adventure, and every memory is a tribute to her donor, and she will never take that for granted.Tracy (right) and her donor (left) celebrating their 4 year kidney anniversary together. 3rd Weekly Winner: Patsy May Patsy earned 210,514 steps in just one week!Patsy is honored and excited to have been selected as a weekly winner of the challenge. As the wife of a kidney transplant recipient, this recognition holds special meaning. Patsy is deeply grateful for the Transplant Life Foundation and all the work they do to support the transplant community.Patsy’s husband, Ernie, received a kidney transplant over 30 years ago from his sister, Debbie—a life-changing gift that he continues to honor by staying active and living a healthy lifestyle. In addition to being a transplant recipient, Ernie is also a Vietnam veteran. He is a proud member of Team Michigan, and together, Patsy and Ernie have attended many Transplant Games events since 1998. Patsy finds the stories shared and the people she meets at the Games to be truly inspiring and uplifting.An active person by nature, Patsy enjoys walking and also stays busy working in a greenhouse—especially during the bustling spring season, where walking is a major part of her daily routine.Patsy is already looking forward to the 2026 Transplant Games in Denver! Memorial Day Winner Lori McFate Lori McFate Lori McFate went the extra mile—literally! After mowing two lawns and walking a total of 18 miles, she logged the most steps on Memorial Day and earned a free 2026 Transplant Games vest! 4th Weekly Winner: Di Arambula Meet Di – a 14-year kidney recipient, lifelong athlete, and passionate advocate with Nevada Donor Network and Team Nevada. Her journey through organ transplantation hasn’t slowed her down—it’s only motivated her to move with purpose. “Walking with a mission” is how Di describes her approach to staying active. For her, walking isn’t just about step counts—it's a commitment to staying strong and healthy, a form of self-care and gratitude for the gift she received.“The main reason that motivates me to walk is to stay healthy and strong—it's one of the best treatments I can give to my transplant,” she says. Participating in challenges like HonorLife: Steps for Service has kept her focused on goals both big and small, whether it’s reaching the top of a mountain or crossing the finish line at a track meet.Di first heard about the walking challenge through her team manager and on social media, and she seized the opportunity to make it part of her training for the upcoming World Transplant Games. A proud competitor, Di has represented Team Nevada at multiple Games, including Houston (2014), Cleveland (2016), Salt Lake City (2018), San Diego (2022), and Birmingham (2024)—with her sights now set on Denver in 2026.Diagnosed with high blood pressure in 1999, Di’s kidney function declined steadily, and by 2009 she was on dialysis. After 20 months of treatment, she received her Gift of Life at UMC Las Vegas. That life-changing moment, and the donor hero who made it possible, continue to inspire her every single day.“I’m so grateful for my donor,” Di shares. “That’s why I stay active all the time.”
- Collin Conedy | TransplantLife
Collin Conedy Las Vegas, NV Team Nevada November 22, 1984 - December 03, 2017 COLLIN'S HOPE It is "Collin's Hope" that everyone registers to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, and that someday a cure is found for the hereditary heart defect that has taken the lives of five male members of our family. Because Collin was a registered organ donor two people received the gift of sight and many other lives have been enhanced from his bone, tissue, ligament and tendon donation. Collin was the youngest child of four siblings. He was a loving husband and father to my two beautiful grandchildren, ages six and ten. Collin was a fun loving young man that loved and lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed the great outdoors; hiking and camping with family and friends. His favorite quote was, "Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who wants you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who LOVE YOU no matter what". As Collin's father and 9 year Heart Transplant Survivor, I have experienced being a heart recipient, caregiver and Donor Dad. I have lost my Dad, two Brothers, a Nephew and now my Son to this dreaded cardiomyopathy heart disease, and it is my prayer Collin's Hope is realized in my lifetime so that my Grandson will be able to live a Long, Health and Happy Life! 🙏🏾
- Ty Bray | TransplantLife
Ty Bray Cave Springs, GA Team Georgia July 08, 1974 - August 02, 2002 A giving heart keeps on giving... At 28 years of age, Ty became a hero- an organ, tissue, and eye donor to many recipients, saving and enhancing lives. I was one of those honored recipients - I was gifted his heart. Ty was an exceptional artist whose artistic eye could see what others wouldn't notice. The son of Jean and Larry Bray, Ty was the youngest of his 7 siblings. His daughter Sheila was only 2 when he passed away. His smile was contagious and his fun loving personality brightened the days. I met his family 5 years after my transplant and how blessed I am to call them friends. He is loved, missed, and thought about every day.
- Reflection Room Gallery | TransplantLife
Gallery of Loved Ones Pat Stahl Zion, IL Julia Pettis Caledonia, NY Patty Shaffer Elizabeth, IN Kenneth Sapp Auburn, NY Michelle Ryan Boca Grande, FL Bradley Wenneberg Chandler, AZ Rebecca Vogelsang Ada, MI Breanne Conterio Kansas City, MO Aric Brill Las Vegas, NV James Anthony Worley Glendora, CA Brayden Branley Salt Lake City, UT Blair Michaela Shanahan Lane Independence, MO Denton Miller Carrollton, MO Kevin Hartley Ashland City, TN Roberta LeMay Council Grove, KS Sandra Rowles Ridgeway, MO Amber Leigh Kaufmann Scott City, MO Andrew Lamb Woodruff, SC Bruce Dequan Garrison Jr. Newberry, SC Jacob Campbell Horseheads, NY Jordan Daus Chagrin Falls, OH Keshawn Brown Paterson, NJ Robert Somerville Jr. Marcellus, NY Charlotte Schrunk Jacksonville, AR Jason Kahekili McCollough Waianae, HI Chris Henry Cincinnati, OH Emily C. Lyons Beaver Dam, WI Ty Bray Cave Springs, GA Robbie Sisemore Farmington, AR Colin Cornett Salem, IN Mary Dunn Houston Kirkville, NY Benjamin Ellington Harvey Little Rock, AR Collin Conedy Las Vegas, NV Mary Ricketts Goodlettsville, TN Brian Wynne Milford, CT Rudy Molnar Pittsburgh, PA Sarah Jackson Saint Peters, MO Richard Scott Colomy Jr III Bensalem, PA Carissa Foushee Payneville, KY Anthony Tyler Hamilton Loretto, KY Savanna Dallessandro Bellmawr, NJ Phillip Malone Montpelier, OH Dominic Hooper Scott City, MO Julee Brinlee Oklahoma City, OK Sandy Pekrul Enid, OK Evan Kimball West Branch, MI Mason Ziegler McFarland, WI Kara Somers Dayton, OH Cameron Burleson Round Rock, TX Christopher Spitzer Merrimac, WI Michael Keith Fultz Sidney, OH Anand Persaud Clermont, FL Jay Miller Midvale, UT Jonathan Cottrell Morrisville, PA Michael Weadock Hot Springs, AR Cody Dunham Divernon, IL Melissa Ash Scio, OH Chris Wilson Newport, DE Kathleen Smith Perry, OH Carlos Rodriguez Chula Vista, CA Caleb Roch Champaign, IL Tyler Beckett Marietta, OH David Charles Starr Independence, MO Velma Gay Blythe, GA Mason Phillips Baltimore, MD Dylan Flew Norwalk, OH Edgelle Screws Waynesboro, GA Jacob Eyring Chapin, SC Melissa Owen Little Rock, AR Christopher Lee Ramsey Prairie du Sac, WI Betsy Niles Montclair, NJ Michael Samel Woodridge, IL Chad Radvansky Lugoff, SC Tom Frankel Rochester, MN Tom Kaiserauer Chicago, IL Victoria Wallace Mead, OK Zachary Flowers Zeeland, MI Micah Seth Rolfs Topeka, KS Antonio Bennett Gonzales, LA John Lipscomb V McDonough, GA Terri Appleman Canal Fulton, OH Edward T. Milbourne, Jr. Philadelphia, PA Elizabeth Clifford Matthews, NC Soon-Ae Jeon Pyle Dallas, GA David Benjamin Fetter Richmond, VA Rocky Trammell Rossville, GA Patrick Lee Miller Anderson, SC Matthew Lawry Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Jason Moody Leesville, LA Kris Haywood Macon, MS Adam Schwalenberg Hazel Green, WI Stephen May Belmont, MI Spencer Perkins Columbus, MS Michael McGuire Marine City, MI Thomas Doherty Birdsboro, PA Samuel McCrow Vancouver, WA Esther Elizabeth Daw Chesnee, SC Richard Wiese Greenleaf, WI Jamie Hale Grand Rapids, MI Heather Miller Triadelphia, WV Emilio Gonzales Jr. Plainview, TX Paul Beard Grand Rapids, MI Edward Atchison Havana, IL Julie Shepherd Jefferson City, MT William A. Keely IV Lafayette Hill, PA Mary Anthony Oak Ridge, TN Amber Robinson Wylie, TX Shannon Lee Miller Buffalo, NY Michael Nolan Kaleb "K-Bob McLaughlin Yonkers, NY Pioneer, OH Jakob Wheler Broadhead, WI Daniel Glover Stephen Hasbrouck Bergenfield, NJ Levittown, PA
- Transplant Life Foundation Council | TransplantLife
Transplant Life Foundation Council The Transplant Life Foundation proudly serves as the nation's leading advocacy nonprofit for those in the field of donation and transplantation. As we look ahead, our bold, strategic plans will usher in new programming and expand our reach to unprecedented levels across all our initiatives. Increasing the number of organs available for transplant is our number one priority, and we intend to take that goal to every community and every demographic in this country. To continue our progress and to scale our initiatives effectively, we must invest in critical capacity-building measures. This includes leadership development, staff training, technology, programmatic infrastructure, and community outreach programs. We believe that with your support, we can extend our operational efficiency, strengthen existing programs, and create new and effective tools to meet our shared goals of increasing organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation. This is the beginning of a new and evolving platform for education, communication, and advocacy. This is where your support can make a transformative difference. Become a Member of the Council It is our hope that you will consider serving as a member of our Transplant Life Foundation Council. This Council will bring together a select group of leading organizations committed to serving the transplant and donation community. The council's meetings will help inform the strategic direction of the Transplant Life Foundation and our key programming. Council members will receive regular updates from the Foundation on our initiatives, and members will also have the exclusive opportunity to partner on programming and events. For more information and to join the Transplant Life Foundation Council, please contact: Bill Ryan President & CEO Transplant Life Foundation b.ryan@transplantlf.org (616) 356-2331 Trailblazers Visionaries Champions Supporters
- Mary Dunn Houston | TransplantLife
Mary Dunn Houston Kirkville, NY Team Finger Lakes August 18, 1986 - September 04, 2007 Her Smile Said It All Mary was a very thoughtful and caring person. Always there to help out a friend or give someone a shoulder to cry on. She loved country music, The New York Yankees, and especially her family and friends. She lived life to the fullest. In high school, she began to donate blood and was very proud in doing so. Every time she came home from giving blood, she would walk in the door and say "I saved some lives today!" In the summer of 2007, she married the love of her life, Brandon. She looked like an Angel. Five weeks later after a late dinner out with her husband, they had car trouble on the highway and she was struck by a vehicle trying to avoid theirs. When we got to the hospital, she was declared brain dead. We did not hesitate to donate her organs because she was such a giving person. She saved four lives! We love and miss you, Mary!

