Blog Spotlight: An Advocate Family

On Jan. 16, 2015, Indiana Donor Network entered our lives. Our 21-year-old son, Cody, was in the hospital and doctors said there was nothing else they could do to save him. That’s when our angels at Indiana Donor Network stepped in to give us support, resources and guidance in our darkest, life-changing moments. Cody made the decision to become a registered organ donor when he obtained his driver’s license. Our family had previously talked about donation, so we knew what Cody wanted. As hard as it is to talk about death and organ donation with your family, we strongly suggest it. Speaking from experience, those discussions allow families to know their options and to have a plan should tragedy should occur. Indiana Donor Network has provided us with so many helpful opportunities throughout our grieving process. We’ve been able to memorialize Cody and make positive, new family memories. Most recently, we threw out the first pitch at the Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball game in Cody’s honor. We wanted to give back to Indiana Donor Network for everything it has provided us as a family. We learned we could volunteer together as advocates and honor Cody at the same time. As advocates, we spread the positives about donation and help to instill a peace of mind about it. We feel the more we share our story, the greater the number of people who may have a second chance at life. We would encourage anyone with extra time to become advocates for Indiana Donor Network. For us, seeing the gift of life and helping so many people has truly fulfilled our lives. Listening to transplant recipients with new leases on life reminds us that no matter how big or small, we can always give to help others. To learn more about becoming an advocate at Indiana Donor Network, click here. –Written by Julie, Randy and Lyndsey Brommer