Richard - heart recipient
In 1988, physicians at the Medical College of Ohio performed their third life saving heart transplant on Richard, a man who had recently suffered a third heart attack. While still recovering in the hospital, his wife, Peggy, was home one night and received a phone call that would change their lives forever. A heart was available for Richard!

The transplant gave Richard a second chance at life. For more than 20 years, Richard has enjoyed a full and busy life which includes volunteering at MUO as well as Life Connection of Ohio. He and Peggy feel that volunteering is one way they can thank the medical community while educating the general public that transplantation works. A few years ago, Richard and Peggy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and are thankful not only for their time together, but for their opportunity to enjoy time with their 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Clark - kidney recipient
I developed kidney failure as a result of a strep infection that damaged my kidneys while I was a college student. Years later the kidney damage progressed to kidney failure and I was placed on the transplant waiting list.

October 29 is always a special day for me. On that day in 1972, when I was 42, I was given a second chance at life by the family of a 22 year old young man killed in an automobile accident. On that day, I celebrate the new life that began with a successful kidney transplant. I can say that, 34 years later, the transplanted kidney continues to function well and I continue to keep doing good things to justify my existence on this planet.

I'm alive today because of someone's generosity. The best things I did in my life came after my kidney transplant. I remain busy and healthy. I have participated in the United Transplant Games on several occasions. In the 2003 Senior Olympics, I won two gold, two silvers, and two bronze medals.

Some of us say we want to meet the Lord whole, with all our organs, but he or she will understand if you're an organ donor. As African-Americans, we are three times more likely to need an organ transplant, and I think one reason mine worked well was that my donor was also black. Don't take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here."