Recipient

In February of 2003, Justin came bounding into this world - albeit a bit early. Otherwise, seemingly healthy and full of all the love every newborn deserves. At his scheduled 3-month-old checkup, Justin’s pediatrician identified something “structurally” wrong with his liver, and it certainly was. Justin, his mom, and I were referred to the gastrointestinal doctors at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, where he was diagnosed with a terminal disease called biliary atresia (BA). Without the organ donation that he received on August 7, 2003, at the tiny age of six-months-old, we were told he would not have survived weeks/months, and subsequent days leading to the “call”. The procedure was a success and Justin, having received the Gift of Life, immediately was the source of love, joy and a shining light for all he encountered.

To our surprise, the experience impacted more people in more ways than any of us could have imagined. Justin’s smile and energy are contagious and he now, instead of battling doctors and endless medical appointments, he battles getting out of the pool so we can have dinner, doing school work, rough-housing with Max (our dog) and too much time playing video games. All of these battles give us so much joy!!!

Without the donor family’s courage and clarity in a time of chaos, making the choice to DONATE and save my son could not be more profound! There are no words or accolades that would effectively quantify and express our gratitude to the donor family, it is the Cycle of Life and it is very much appreciated.

- With much love and gratitude, Joel Nagelbush (Donor Father)