Yuma Regional Medical Center recently held an event in honor of those whose families chose to donate their deceased loved ones’ organs. KAWC’s Maya Springhawk Robnett attended…
The ceremony included words spoken by family members and a bell was rung for each of the deceased.
The annual event is meant in part to give individuals a chance to speak with other donor families. But Marcel Pincence for Donor Network of Arizona says the event was primarily organized to thank the families who decided to donate their deceased loved ones’ organs. “The amazing thing about all these families gathering tonight," Pincence said, "is that all of them made that most generous decision. And they didn’t make it in a good time, they made it at the worst time for them.”
Sabrina White’s father died at YRMC a year ago. She said she is just glad to know her father is still helping people. “We did a good thing by donating," said White. "I know that he got approved to donate his eyes and his skin. So he’s helping burn victims out there and somebody I’m sure has got his eyes.”
Each of the families who attended had lost a loved one within the past three years. A hundred and eighty individuals were invited; only twelve families attended.