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More and more people in Arizona are giving the gift of life. Over 250 donors in Arizona gave the gift of life to 701 people, through organ donation. That represents a 16 percent increase from 2016.
"It's just great to know how many lives are being enhanced by the gift of organ donation," said Caylyn Crawford. She never imagined any of her kids ever needing a heart transplant.
In 2015, however, Crawford's son, Oliver, was born prematurely, with a heart defect.
"Every time we met with doctors, the prognoses got worse," said Crawford. "We were eventually informed his only chance for survival was going to be a heart transplant."
Crawford prayed for the best, but feared for the worst.
"Four days old, we placed him on the national waiting list," said Crawford. "In less than 48 hours, there was a donor heart available for Oliver."
Oliver is now 3 years old, and full of energy. Crawford said because of this experience, she remains forever grateful to the donor family who gave her son the life-saving gift.
"It was a gift that we could never express our gratitude," said Crawford. "Their baby lives on. They saved the life of my son, and knowing that one organ donor can save the lives of up to eight other people is absolutely amazing."
Donate Life Arizona
https://www.donatelifeaz.org/?lang=en
Dona Vida Arizona (In Spanish)
https://www.donatelifeaz.org/?lang=es