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.

Rick Brown’s 20-year battle with diabetes had taken a toll on his kidneys and pancreas. He endured dialysis for over a year and a half, and he needed a kidney/pancreas transplant. On the afternoon of May 19, 2013, Rick was walking into his house carrying his wife’s birthday cake for the next day, and he got a phone call that would change his life forever. He was going to receive a transplant. On May 20, 2013, he received a life-saving kidney/pancreas transplant. It was the best birthday present his wife ever received! Rick immediately noticed a difference in the way he felt, and he hasn’t looked back – he returned to work and leads a healthy, active life. Rick was filled with energy, his vision was restored and his diabetic neuropathy disappeared. He has met some of his donor’s family, including his donor’s sister, whom he texts daily. Rick remembers registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor years ago, never thinking he’d be on the receiving end, but he is grateful for his second chance at life.

“Now that I have my gift of life, my life has really flourished. It’s very exciting to be able to have a second chance at life.”