Diane Savell watched through teary eyes as the balloon she released with about 75 other people attending the Donor Recognition Ceremony on the campus of MSU Meridian drifted toward the clouds.
She hoped deep in her heart that her cousin Will Stewart might catch it. Stewart, 18, of Collinsville, died last year. But many of his organs including his eyes were donated for others to use and to continue living.
"It doesn't take away from the pain of losing him," she said. "But someone is alive because of him. Someone is seeing the world through his eyes. Knowing that helps some."
The balloon launch was just one of several memorials dedicated to those who have given so others may live. Donors and recipients alike mixed and mingled at the Kahlmus Auditorium Sunday afternoon to pay tribute both through the planting of a Tree of Life and through personal testimonials.
"Donor families have such amazing courage during a time of tragedy," said Toni Leslie, who is the Professional Services Coordinator for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency who was sponsoring the event. "Organ, eye, and tissue donations are so important to those who are needing a way to stay alive."
One example of that gift was 10-year old SaShaye Johnson of Quitman. Johnson has beating inside her the heart of Andrew Shorter of Lousiville, Ky. Shorter, according to his mother Karen Shorter who was also on hand to tell the story of her son's gifts, painted a picture of a 30-year old man who had everything in the world going for him. But last year an aneurism took his life. Many of his organs, including his heart, have turned his tragedy into a triumph.
"I would like to thank Andrew and all those others who have given of themselves so that others like me can live on," said Johnson.
Meridian Mayor Cheri Barry said in an emotional voice this was the first donor recognition ceremony she has ever attended but assured everyone it wouldn't be the last.
"I'm so impressed by the strength of everyone here," Barry said.
Dabbing away the tears, Savell thinks about her cousin. She remembers how special he was and how he always shone brightly. After final reflection she concluded his life did have a meaning and that meaning included the numerous people who have survived through his death.
"That makes me happy," she said quietly.
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Ceremony recognized donors
- Local News
-
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
-
Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans
When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.
-
Morning update for, Friday, May 25, 2012
-
Celebrating Jimmie
- Feed your mind at Nexus Hero Brown Bag Lunch
-
Man faces kidnapping charges
-
Classroom Visit
-
The Drought Is Over
All Mason Irby was hoping for was to find a way on base.
The Southeast Lauderdale sophomore did that and so much more. Irby's single with two outs in the seventh inning broke a tie, lifting the Tigers to a 6-3 MHSAA Class 3A state championship win at Smith-Wills Stadium on Wednesday, and handing Southeast (32-7) its first title since 1966. -
Ronald McDonald House charity event scheduled
A 54-hole golf tournament is coming to Briarwood Country Club on June 26-29. The Emerald Coast Golf Tour will hold their Pro-Am Classic here in Meridian, but in addition to this all proceeds will go to a great cause – The Ronald McDonald House.
-
UBS in urgent need of blood
Due to unforeseen circumstances this month, United Blood Services has had some drives cancel, leaving the local hospitals at a critical shortage of blood.
- More Local News Headlines
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
