Home > Stories > Alicia's Story

Alicia's Story

A little over four years ago, my daughter came home from school and announced that she was calling a family meeting. She was a few months short of 18 years old. Her name was Alicia and she was determined. Earlier that day at school they had an assembly for the seniors, and several subjects were covered including blood donations for the Red Cross and the increasing need of organ donors.

She couldn't have known that two weeks later that she would be the one we would be saying goodbye to. I almost didn't tell the hospital of her wishes, I had asked the rest of the family to go home, and I stayed behind to be with her when they turned off her life support. I walked my parents to their car, and as I reentered the hospital I overheard another family mourning their 18-year-old daughter who had just passed away because she never received the heart transplant she needed. A donor had never been found. I truly believe that Alicia wanted me to hear that conversation and it was then that I knew it never had been my decision to make. It had been Alicia's dying wish.

It was the last wish that I could grant her. I know she would be proud to know that other people are living better lives because of her. I know it gives me peace knowing that her request was honored. And I know she watches not only over us but over you also—and she is smiling.

May God keep you safe and happy.

With love from Alicia and her mom