Organ recipients thankful for second chance

"...organ donors are the ultimate heroes"

From Channel 4 KRNV in Nevada:
The death of Trooper Kara Kelly-Borgognone has captured the attention and hearts of our community. In part because she was an organ donor, and tonight we've learned she saved many lives, including a child's. News 4 met up with other organ donor recipients who refer to people like Kelly-Borgogone as heroes.

"By Monday, March 9," Tracey Copeland said. "I was in a coma and I received my life saving transplant on Wednesday."

Copeland says she owes her life to a teenager.

"My donor died in a motorcycle accident at young age of 19 and his family decided to donate his organs," Copeland said.

Organs that would later save the lives of at least four others.

"As well as myself he saved the life of a heart recipient," Copeland said. "A lung recipient and two kidney recipients also received life that day."

Copeland's friend Karen Palomo says she too experienced a miracle. 19 years ago, Palomo received a pancreas and kidney transplant from a 15 year old boy, curing her diabetes.

"It was unheard of that a pancreas transplant would come along to cure diabetes," Palomo said. "So I would have been on dialysis which means you are pretty lethargic most of the time."

Palomo says organ donors are the ultimate heroes.

"They have stepped up committed to doing this and they qualify to do this," Palomo said. "Just most heroic act you can ever come across."

Copeland remembers Kelly-Borgognone as one of those heroes since she was an organ donor, killed in the line of duty earlier this week.

"We grieve for the family we're so sorry for their loss," Copeland said. "It's my prayer help to bring them a little comfort that their loved one was able to give life to so many families."

There are about 7,000 people in Nevada signed up to be organ donors. Unfortunately, there are about 10,000 people in Nevada and California waiting for transplants. Organ donor networks say most people can donate their organs regardless of age or medical history.

The first step in becoming a donor is to register with your state donor registry. When the time comes, doctors will evaluate the condition of your organs and determine whether they can be used to save lives.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

Your generosity can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance another 50 through tissue donation