A representative of Tennessee Donor Services spoke at Monday night’s Macon County Committee of the Whole meeting about the importance of donating organs, and Mayor Steve Jones also signed a proclamation designating April Organ Donor month.
“I do anything within my capacity to talk to people about the importance of organ donating,†said Trisha Lopez, external affairs coordinator for the group. “April is organ donating month, and for us this is an opportunity to highlight people who are directly connected to the cause and have either had their life saved by a donor, or a loved one who donated and saved the life or lives of others. Tonight, we have invited the Fishers to share a little bit about their story.â€
Danny and Fredia Fisher know the importance of being an organ donor. Their son Kyle was a paramedic and donor, and his sacrifice helped save the lives of seven individuals.
“I wasn’t prepared to share this story tonight,†said Fredia Fisher. “I’ve shared far too many times, and it doesn’t get any easier as the years go by. I will tell you that as sad as it is, I could not still be here today to talk about this had Kyle not been an organ donor. That is the only thing that has gotten me through life. He (Kyle Fisher) was able to save seven lives. We have met two of them, and we are very close to one of them. The young boy who received a portion of Kyle Fisher’s liver was only four months old at the time. He is now in first grade, and he is wild child,†said Fredia Fisher as she smiled. “So, there is nothing I can say or do to make this different for anyone else. I can say that you should have the conversation with your children about it. I feel like my only reason for being on this earth now is to continue the ripple effect. Kyle started it for me, and all I can do is continue for him in hopes to urge others to help save lives.â€
“It is a blessing to meet the people that he (Kyle) helped,†said Danny Fisher. “We appreciate being asked here tonight.â€
According to Tennessee Donor Services, 488 organ donors in the state of Tennessee made 1,371 lifesaving transplants possible. Anyone from age 15 can register as a donor in the state of Tennessee. Approximately 3,000 Tennesseans are currently waiting for a transplant.
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