Organ Donations...
Andrea had a very severe brain injury, and some head trauma, but the rest of her body was essentially undamaged. She was young and in excellent physical shape. As a result, she was able to donate an exceptionally large number of organs and tissues to others in need.
It took more than twenty-four hours to process all the organs and tissues that Andrea provided. She enriched the lives of many people during her life, and is continuing to do so.
The Texas Organ Sharing Alliance sent a letter to Andrea's family describing the results of several successful transplants.
March 17, 2005
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Gent,
On behalf of the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, I send my condolences on the loss of your daughter, Andrea. During a time of great sorrow, you and your family chose to offer life to another. I am grateful we had the opportunity to help your loved one become an organ donor, and want to provide you with some information on the outcome of your generous gift.
Your daughter's right kidney was transplanted into a 54 year-old Texas man. He is married and has two children. He is looking forward to being able to return to work as a Deputy Sheriff before long. In his spare time, he enjoys walking and spending time with his family. The kidney had immediate function after being transplanted and a full recovery is expected.
Her left kidney was transplanted into a 43 year-old married man from Pennsylvania. Fishing and working on puzzles are among some of his favorite hobbies. He was doing very well after the transplant. His transplant surgeons are hopeful he will make a complete recovery.
A 50 year-old man from Texas received a portion of Andrea's liver. He is married and has three children. He has waited more than two years for this life-saving transplant. The liver functioned immediately and a complete recovery is expected.
The other portion of the liver was transplanted into a five month-old little girl. Her parents are grateful for the second chance their daughter has been given because of your generous gift. The transplant went well and she is expected to make a full recovery.
Andrea's pancreas was transplanted into a 40 year-old Texas man. Married with two children, he enjoys hunting and fishing in his leisure time. For more than three years, he has waited on the transplant waiting list. A full recovery is anticipated.
An 18 year-old girl from Texas received Andrea's heart. She is currently a student. She was doing well after the transplant and her surgeons expect a full recovery.
Your daughter was also able to donate tissues for future transplantation. If you would like additional information on the outcome, please contact the tissue bank listed on your copy of the consent form.
Thousands of lives are saved each year through the generosity of your gift, and of those before you that have shared the Gift of Life. It also provides hope to thousands of patients who continue to wait for their life-saving organ transplant.
Sincerely
Mari Stradford
Donor Family Services Coordinator
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
For more information on Organ Sharing, including information on how to become a Donor, please visit one or more of the websites listed under the "OTHER RESOURCES" section on the navigation menu.