South Carolina organ donors save record number of lives

Right now, more than 104,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for lifesaving organ donations. And because of progressing technology and the generosity of organ donors like Keegan Johnson, more lives are being saved than ever before.Allison Johnson Miller is proud of her son; 17-year-old Keegan Johnson brought a smile to people on and off the field and court. “We say he was born with a ball in his hand,” said the mother of three. “He loved sports.”But three years ago on Feb. 2, everything changed. “At 6:45 this morning three years ago, Keegan suffered a stroke in front of me at home; we took him to the hospital, where he later underwent two emergency brain surgeries, on this day.”After just days in the hospital, Johnson Miller’s oldest child after a sinus infection attacked his brain. Although Keegan died on Feb. 5, 2020, one choice he made meant his legacy would live on in dozens of lives across the nation. “Four months to the day before he passed away, he checked the box at our local DMV and became an organ donor by his choice,” said Johnson Miller.He’s one of the hundreds from South Carolina whose selfless donations have saved lives. in 2022 alone, We Are Sharing Hope SC said 230 donors saved more than 500 lives. That’s an all-time South Carolina record. “You can have an impact on somebody,” said We Are Sharing Hope SC’s Krystal Kau. “That a father can walk his daughter down the aisle. That a mother is there for her daughter’s graduations.”Johnson Miller saved four lives that day, including the life of a 17-year-old student-athlete like him. He bettered countless other lives with tissue and valve donations. “He’s my hero. And I’m so thankful that he was so selfless. Because of him, I’ve become an organ donor, and the rest of my family as well,” Johnson Miller said.And though her son is no longer with her, his selflessness, along with other organ donors’, has changed the lives of countless men, women, and children.”We’re proud,” Johnson Miller said through tears. “Very proud.”

Right now, more than 104,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for lifesaving organ donations. And because of progressing technology and the generosity of organ donors like Keegan Johnson, more lives are being saved than ever before.

Allison Johnson Miller is proud of her son; 17-year-old Keegan Johnson brought a smile to people on and off the field and court.

Advertisement

“We say he was born with a ball in his hand,” said the mother of three. “He loved sports.”

But three years ago on Feb. 2, everything changed.

“At 6:45 this morning three years ago, Keegan suffered a stroke in front of me at home; we took him to the hospital, where he later underwent two emergency brain surgeries, on this day.”

After just days in the hospital, Johnson Miller’s oldest child after a sinus infection attacked his brain. Although Keegan died on Feb. 5, 2020, one choice he made meant his legacy would live on in dozens of lives across the nation.

“Four months to the day before he passed away, he checked the box at our local DMV and became an organ donor by his choice,” said Johnson Miller.

He’s one of the hundreds from South Carolina whose selfless donations have saved lives. in 2022 alone, We Are Sharing Hope SC said 230 donors saved more than 500 lives. That’s an all-time South Carolina record.

You can have an impact on somebody,” said We Are Sharing Hope SC’s Krystal Kau. “That a father can walk his daughter down the aisle. That a mother is there for her daughter’s graduations.”

Johnson Miller saved four lives that day, including the life of a 17-year-old student-athlete like him. He bettered countless other lives with tissue and valve donations.

“He’s my hero. And I’m so thankful that he was so selfless. Because of him, I’ve become an organ donor, and the rest of my family as well,” Johnson Miller said.

And though her son is no longer with her, his selflessness, along with other organ donors’, has changed the lives of countless men, women, and children.

“We’re proud,” Johnson Miller said through tears. “Very proud.”

Source