It’s easy to take everyday things in life for granted. But for the more than 113,000 men, women, and children on the organ transplant list, the simple things are cherished the most. For some, the natural inhale and exhale of a breath is a small miracle to be celebrated, and a calling to give back.
Three Explorers share their stories.
John Browne, ’64
When John Browne went to a routine physical around his 50th birthday, he was surprised to receive an urgent follow up from his doctor. The news of colonial carcinoma—a fatal type of cancer—left him and his family searching for answers. Browne was placed on the transplant list for a liver and began the process of dealing with his illness. From chemotherapy and radiation to a specialty diet, Browne’s life changed drastically and quickly. But when his health continued to decline, it had to change even further. Browne and his wife Pat moved to Rochester, Minn., to live in the Gift of Life House. There they found solace in the company of other patients and families. After two years of waiting and 13 hours of surgery, Browne walked away with a new liver and a second chance at life. Now in his free time, Browne gives back to the organization that helped him through it all, speaking to groups and organizations about the benefits of being a donor.
Kevin Brighter, ’19
Kevin Brighter first experienced kidney issues before birth. During a prenatal exam, doctors noticed that his kidneys weren’t developing properly and informed his parents that if he survived, his life would be difficult at best. But Brighter’s parents were determined to give him a full and happy life. Brighter’s father stepped up to the plate and donated a kidney to his then two-year-old son. Save for more frequent doctor visits, Brighter lived a fairly regular life until he realized something was wrong during a night out with friends. His severely swollen ankles raised a red flag and after a few days of no improvement the family scheduled a doctor’s appointment. The doctors gave the devastating news that the kidney had failed and Brighter would need another transplant. Juggling class and a social life is difficult for any college student. Add in commuting three days a week for dialysis and you get the full view of Brighter’s circumstances. Through a series of ups and downs, failed matches, and high hopes, Brighter finally received his second transplant during the fall semester of his junior year. When asked what he learned from this experience Brighter said, “Even though life comes at you and it can be very difficult, you can still persevere and find the light in situations.”
Jacob Hafer, ’19
Having received his transplant only seven months after birth, Jake Hafer doesn’t remember a life without his new heart. But it’s not lost on him the importance and significance of this extraordinary gift. “During my time growing up, I wanted to be like every other kid playing in sports and I did not like to be the center of attention,” he said. “Now that I am older I realize the great gift I received and the importance of organ donation and promoting the awareness for others to become donors.” As a young and active advocate, Hafer has taken on some of the toughest fights for the cause. “I spoke about my personal experiences at different events, participated at the national transplant games, and even lobbied at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg for organ and tissue donation awareness,” he said. During his time at La Salle, Hafer served the Students’ Government Association as a junior senator and senior senator, was an active brother of Sigma Phi Lambda fraternity, a member of “The Histories Club,” a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and a student leader for the La Salle University Summit Program. He also gained valuable experience by interning for Pennsylvania State Senator John Rafferty and United States Senator Bob Casey. Even with such a busy schedule, Hafer found time to work with and give back to the organization that helped him, and so many others through the journey.
The Gift of Life
Founded in 1975, the Gift of Life Donor Program is the leading organ procurement organization in the United States. In addition to coordinating and scheduling transplants, the program offers numerous organizations that further support families and medical professionals.
The Gift of Life House, Gift of Life Institute, Transplant Pregnancy Registry International, and Transplant Foundation all aim to assist those in need of or administering transplants to make the process as easy and seamless as possible. From training donation professionals to providing home-cooked meals for patients, Gift of Life is there through the entire process.
Jake, Kevin, and John are three amazing accounts of the lasting impact of working with the Gift of Life. For those still on the list waiting for treatment, the three Explorers are a beacon of hope and light.