Mom and Daughter's Second Chances Through Organ Donation

April, observed as National Donate Life Month, shines a light on organ, eye, and tissue donation. A Colorado woman, Michelle Lynn, embodies the profound impact of these gifts, sharing how organ donors saved both her life and her daughter's. Lynn, a dedicated participant in the Transplant Games for nearly a decade, has achieved remarkable success in track and field and darts, earning seven medals.

Her own journey began fifteen years ago when she was diagnosed with three forms of cancer, including lymphoma, and given slim chances of survival. A bone marrow donor provided her with a crucial second chance at life. Prior to her own health crisis, Lynn faced the terrifying reality of her newborn daughter needing a heart transplant at just three months old. Miraculously, her daughter received the transplant and thrived, returning home thirteen days later and remaining healthy since.

Lynn now actively shares her story, emphasizing that living donation is possible. She notes that individuals can donate kidneys, bone marrow, or portions of their liver while alive, directly saving lives. In Colorado alone, more than 2,000 people are presently on the waiting list for transplants. The upcoming Transplant Games of America are scheduled to take place at the Colorado Convention Center from June 18-23.