Joy Wolfe

I am a Surgical Technologist, so I have been involved in organ, tissue and eye donation, in many different ways during my career.

In 2001, I was also a recipient of a bone graft when I underwent cervical spine surgery. Receiving the donation eliminated the need for a second surgical procedure to obtain a bone graft which led to a quicker recovery for me.

The surgery was a success and I was back to work in a few short weeks. I am forever thankful for my unknown donor and the gift I received.

A few years ago, we tragically lost a very dear, young man, Garrett Klipp. Garrett is like a grandson to us and his death has been difficult, to say the least.

At the time of the accident, his family made the decision to give the ultimate gift of donation. It is a comfort to know that Garrett continues to help so many people.

I became an Ambassador for Live On Nebraska after Garrett’s passing. Volunteering for LON has been a wonderful experience and is a small way I can help let people know of organ and tissue donation.

Everyone needs to have information on organ and tissue donation before a tragedy occurs or there is a death of a loved one.

So many more lives can be saved or helped if people understand more about donation. The message of organ and tissue donation is one of life and help for many at a time of loss of our loved ones.