Photo By Airman 1st Class Amber Anderson | The 181st Intelligence Wing Chaplain Corps and the Indiana Donor Network hosted an...... read more read more
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HULMAN FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ind. – The Chaplain Corps partnered with the Indiana Donor Network to host an organ donation registration event during lunch at the dining facility at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute, Indiana, Dec. 7, 2024.
The event was done to honor fellow airman Master Sgt. Darrell Williams, a member of the 181st Intelligence Wing Security Forces Squadron, received a heart transplant through the donor network on Dec. 1, 2024.
“He had a bad heart but was otherwise completely healthy,” said Katie Burnett, Williams’ mother-in-law. “They knew down the road that he was going to have to have a transplant, and then he got put in the hospital and had a couple of strokes.”
Williams is still in the hospital recovering, but the family felt it was important to attend and support the event to bring awareness to the importance of organ donation.
Lt. Col. Kent Lundy, a wing chaplain for the 181st IW, helped organize the event. He learned the importance of donation after his oldest brother had a liver transplant when he was a junior in high school.
“You don't take your organs to heaven, and heaven knows we need them here on Earth,” said Lundy. “This is an easy way to give the gift of life.”
When you donate an organ, you’re not just saving one life—you’re profoundly affecting the lives of the recipient’s family, friends, and coworkers.
“There's a ripple effect of that gift of life that just keeps on giving,” said Lundy. “Is an amazing, amazing gift.”
Mike Frey and Rebecca Scott, volunteers at the event, were able to create their own “ripple” after the tragic passing of their son. They also believe that organ donations benefit the family left behind.
“I believe it's for us; knowing that part of my son has still gotten married, part of my son has driven a brand new car, and part of my son is going on vacation,” said Frey. “It was great that he was able to donate and help so many other people. That helps us, knowing that he is still alive.”
Matthew Shirk, a Community Outreach Coordinator with the Indiana Donor Network, said that the number one thing he would advise people that are thinking about donation is to have a conversation with your loved ones and to let them know your thoughts and feelings on the topic.
Shirk encouraged those on the fence about donating to consider how many lives they could save if they said no. He then explained that a person registering to donate could save up to 83 people.
According to the Indiana Donor Network, someone is added to the nation’s transplant waiting list every eight minutes, totaling an average of 180 people a day.
If you or someone you know wants to learn more or sign up to be a donor, visit donatelifeindiana.org.
“Thank you so much for being an organ donor,” said Burnett. “Having someone that was an organ donor for Darrell, saved more than just his life.”
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2024 10:43 |
| Story ID: | 486943 |
| Location: | TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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