You have the power to save 8 lives through organ donation and heal 125 more through tissue donation. To learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit lifeconnection.org.

Kandy Takas’ kidney disease caused her kidneys to shut down. She endured dialysis every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for four hours each time. After one year, three months and six days on dialysis, Kandy received a life-saving kidney transplant at the University of Toledo Medical Center on October 9, 2000 – the day before her 34th birthday. She said it is the best birthday present she has ever received! The only thing Kandy knows about her donor is that he was a generous man from Maryland. She wrote a letter to her donor family, which she said is the hardest letter she has ever written. “The biggest thing you’re saying is ‘thank you’, but how do you thank someone for giving you your life back?” Kandy said. Kandy’s gift of life has meant 20 more years with her son, John, and for that, she is forever grateful.

“I’m so thankful for the gift of life. It allowed me to go back and be a mom and be here to watch my son grow up.”