Donate Life Run/Walk - Stories

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Mon, September 6th, 2010

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Jackie Barton

Donor mom Doris Meyer recalls "my little Jackie". Jackie was 14 when she died. She was my only child. Jackie loved life, she jumped in with both feet. Jackie was a member of the Long Beach Jr. Concert Band and a member of the Stage Band and Orchestra at Bell Intermediate School. She played Bobby Sox softball from age 6 to age 14 and she rode and showed Tennessee Walking Horses.

She was hit by a speeding car, which resulted in her brain trauma. She was transported to UCI Medical Center in Orange. When I arrived at the hospital I was told she was in a coma and that more testing was being ordered to determine the extent of her injuries. I initially approached the doctors about donation and was told that was premature. After 7 days in PICU an apnea study was performed and her brain death diagnosis was confirmed.

I was approached about donation and at that time I said no, even though I have had a donor designation on my drivers license since I started driving at age 16. It was ok for me but not for "my little Jackie."

I told the medical team I had questions that needed answering if I were to consider donation. I had a meeting with OneLegacy (then known as ROPA) and my family and friends to answer questions. After that conference I signed the consent form.

I decided to donate so that other families would not have to suffer the pain I was suffering. As a Christian I knew that God did not need Jackie's organs to resurrect her nor did the grave need her organs.

I have never regretted my decision to donate and take every opportunity that arises to share my story and encourage others to donate. Donating Jackie's organs was an alternative to total loss, and the two women who received her corneas still have their sight.

Jackie Barton

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