Dear Mr. and Mrs. O’Hara,
On behalf of New Jersey Sharing Network, I would like to once again express my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your daughter, Kristen. The sudden and untimely death of someone you love is the most painful event that a family can endure. Yet, through your loss, you were still able to see an opportunity to help others with your “gift of life”. Your decision to honor your daughter through organ and tissue donation is a tribute to her legacy. I would like to share with you some information about the recipients of Kristen’s gift.
Kristen’s heart was transplanted into a 57 year-old gentleman from New Jersey. He suffered for many years from congestive heart failure, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease. This man surely would have died without a transplant. His new heart is functioning well and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Her lungs were transplanted into a 42 year-old woman from Pennsylvania. She is married and the mother of one child. She works as an elementary school aide. Her own lungs had failed due to cystic fibrosis. Her new lungs are functioning well and she is expected to make a full recovery.
Kristen’s pancreas and one of her kidneys were transplanted into a 49 year-old gentleman from New Jersey He was in need of a transplant due to diabetes. His new pancreas and kidney began to function immediately. He is the father of four daughters and enjoys golf, his family, gardening swimming and fishing. Her other kidney was transplanted into a 51 year old gentleman from New Jersey. He is married with two children. He is a math teacher and an electrical engineer. His kidney is functioning well. These two individuals will now be able to enjoy markedly improved lifestyles free of dialysis and the many dietary restrictions that previously prevented them from living life to the fullest.
Kristen’s liver was transplanted into a 64 year-old gentleman from New Jersey. He has been married for 37 years and is the father of three daughters. The transplant center reports that he is doing well and has a good prognosis.
Kristen’s tissue was also recovered. For people who suffer the damage and loss of bones, joints or cartilage to disease, injury and even old age, replacement surgery may mean the difference between amputation or disability and saving a limb. In the not too distant past, many childhood cancerous tumors would have resulted in amputation of the affected limb. Today at least 80 percent of these limbs can be saved by the transplantation of donated long bone. Bone may also be used to strengthen areas of a deformed spine or replace an area of bone after surgery or when lost due to infection or fracture.
Fascia lata, a soft tissue, was recovered and may be used to replace a patch of dura or outer membrane covering the brain following a craniotomy.
Finally, The Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey recovered Kristen’s comeas. A testing process has begun to ensure that her corneal tissues are safe for transplantation. Once the testing process is complete and the donated gifts are found suitable for transplantation, others will benefit from the gift of sight.
The value of these gifts is immeasurable and I thank you on behalf of the recipients and their families. I hope that you and your family can derive some comfort from the knowledge that you were able to give these precious gifts which have made such a positive impact on the lives of others and that some good did ultimately come from your daughter’s otherwise senseless and tragic death. She is a true lifesaving hero to these recipients. Kristen’s spirit will go on through the recipients and in every person they touch throughout their lives. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance to you. Take care of each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tags: my angel

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