Tami Baert

1. Tami Baert When Tami’s father Wallace Williams died, he became a tissue donor. The tissue was used in her spinal fusion surgery. “To know that my dad continues to help me even when he’s gone is an awesome blessing.”

2. Mike Blood When police officer Mike Blood was shot repeatedly by a bank robber and left for dead, he required 19 operations, 120 units of blood, and donated bone to fill a six-inch hole in his leg. “I’m moved that someone would make that sacrifice for me.”

3. Karlye Deutsch Five year old Karlye was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare cancer that appeared as a tumor in the bone on her right leg, just before her third birthday. Her leg was reconstructed with donated bone. “Karlye faced possible amputation, but thanks to the generous gift of donation, she is a typical kindergartner,” said her mother Denise.

4. Katie Flournoy Katie developed a giant bone cell tumor in her right arm. She was thrilled to learn she could receive a donated bone graft to reconstruct her forearm. “I am tremendously thankful to my donor. Now I have the opportunity for a much better life, full of physical activity and promise for the future.

5. Two Year Post Op X-ray Pre-Op X-ray

6. Janine Macaraeg While playing basketball, Janine damaged her ACL and needed a tissue transplant. Two months after her surgery, Janine was able to resume her normal activities that include basketball, swimming, golf and volley ball. Janine’s mother who works in the field of donation said, “Never would I have imagined that someone in my family would ever need a transplant. We’re very pleased with the outcome.”

7. Stacey Moy Stacey needed surgery to repair her meniscus. Due to physical activity, it was worn out and causing a lot of pain. “I was nervous about the surgery at first, but now I tell everyone I know that donation is a great thing, and you never know when you might need a transplant that will change your life.”

8. Monica Montgomery When Monica shattered her right knee in a soccer scrimmage in 2002, she didn’t know if she’d ever walk again without a cane or crutches. After major reconstructive surgeries using donated tissue, Monica learned how to walk again. “I sent a thank-you letter to my donor family. Because of my wonderful gift, I can walk normally today. I’m thankful for every step I take with my children.”

9. Carson Palmer Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and former Heisman Trophy Winner Carson Palmer received donated tissue from donor, Julie Di Rossi, who was killed by a drunk driver. Carson needed ACL repair after taking a crushing tackle during a game. “It’s given me a second chance at life and I’m extremely grateful to this donor.”

10. Rich Pietroski A baseball injury and a subsequent skiing accident did damage to Rich’s shoulder. As a result he needed a tissue transplant. Rich works at the Organ Procurement Organization, Gift of Life Michigan, so he was already familiar with tissue donation. “I can bench press 300 pounds 10 times! I couldn’t do any of this without someone having donated tissue at the time of death. I am so grateful.”

11. David Reed For David, an ACL injury meant not being able to enjoy his favorite activities such as tennis and soccer. Then his surgeon told him he’d be receiving a tissue donation from a deceased donor. “Without this donor’s sacrifice, I wouldn’t have healed so quickly. Since my surgery, I’ve been able to hike to the top of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park!”

12. Jacob Seyle On Thanksgiving day 2004, Jacob had an x-ray that revealed a tumor, an osteosarcoma in his right shoulder, one of the most common bone cancers found in children. He began a round of chemotherapy before undergoing a procedure using an allograft prosthetic composite, a combination of an allograft and a joint replacement. “I know I will learn a lot from this and someday will be able to help kids who have to deal with what I went through.” Jacob pictured with mother Deborah.

13. Pre-Op X-ray Post-Op X-ray

14. Paula Van Riper In 1999, Paula was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and required surgery. Because of a large tumor in her femur, her hip was replaced with a titanium one. Donated bone was also implanted in her right leg so that it would be the same length as her left leg. “My tissue transplant was instrumental in my healing and my ability to function normally.”

15. Nate Verschaetse Nate Verschaetse has endured over ten years of dental procedures to correct a misaligned jaw, a condition that also made it difficult for him to breathe through his nose. Nate’s surgeon used donated human bone to fill the large gap created in his newly widened jaw. “Because of a bone transplant and the gift of donation, my life has improved. I will always be thankful for my gift and continue to share my story with others.”

16. James Zelenak James crashed his dirt bike, crushing his ankle joint. A complete ankle allograft transplant allowed him the freedom and comfort to walk and play games with his toddler triplets. “I often reflect on the sacrifice that a donor made so I could have this opportunity. He is literally and physically a part of me and my life, and I cannot give enough thanks.”