Amaya Deye – Tissue Recipient

In the beginning, I felt like my knee would dislocate or be out of place for hours or even days before it felt semi normal again. There were days when I could barely put any weight on my leg without excruciating pain. There were x-rays, MRIs and visits to different orthopedic doctors. I was told that the muscles and ligaments around my knee were weak. Physical therapy was recommended for strengthening; however, there was no improvement.

We received a recommendation for another orthopedic surgeon who immediately recognized this as EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) which is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders which causes overly flexible joints. My own tissue, ligaments and tendons are too loose and could no longer keep my kneecap in place. He recommended surgical intervention. In order for the surgery to be successful, a donated ligament was the only option because my own ligaments were not strong enough.

On February 21, 2019, my life was forever changed. Someone I will never meet gave me the gift of walking without pain. Since surgery, I have been able to walk across the stage at my high school graduation. I went on a once in a lifetime trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with my high school peers. I am now able to play outside with my younger siblings and I can kick the soccer ball around with my brother. I am so grateful for my donor and the opportunity to be a normal teenager living pain free.

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Press Releases

LifeCenter presents Night of the Stars on September 16th, 2023

LifeCenter Organ Donor Network is hosting its prestigious Night of the Stars event at Cincinnati Historic Music Hall on September 16th. Night of the Stars …

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January 2024 LifeCenter Calendar Story of Hope
Donation Champions

January 2024: Renee Mahaffey Harris. Featured in 2023 Calendar.

Being a registered organ donor means you may one day save or improve someone’s life. It is truly a gift to the community, and I …

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December 2023 LifeCenter Calendar Story of Hope
Tissue and Cornea Recipients

December: Jesiah Brock. Featured in 2023 Calendar.

When I was 18 months old, I was involved in a horrible accident that left me burned over a great area of my body. I …

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