In 1992, the oldest of my four sisters suffered a non-survivable brain injury in a fall. Despite having Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, Adrienne knew no strangers, did not set personal limitations, and taught me more in her short life than anyone I have known. At 33 years old, Adrienne saved the lives of four people through the gifts of her heart, liver, and kidneys, and gave the blessing of sight through her corneas. I had no idea that when my parents said “YES” that it would change the trajectory of my life. I have been with LifeCenter 19 years and am proud to work as an Organ Donation Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor. Facilitating the process of donation continues to be something I am just as passionate about now as I was my very first day. My life has been filled with many blessings since my sister was a donor. The largest being the birth of my son, AJ. AJ, who just turned 12, is named after his aunt he never knew, but he sure knows the legacy she left behind and the tenacity with which she lived her life. He is truly proud to be her namesake and knows that because of his aunt, his mom “helps people who have died save the lives of people waiting for organ transplants.” I am truly grateful to be part of the team that once helped my family find good amongst all the grief. Donation has an obvious direct impact on the recipients, but I know first-hand that leaving the hospital after saying goodbye to someone I loved so much has the opportunity to bring joy and hope amidst the sadness. That joy and hope truly can last a lifetime.
– Christienne King
