Kayla Borgerson (RIP)

          When Kayla Borgerson received her driver’s license at the age of 16 she checked the box to register as an organ and tissue donor. Sadly, that wish was fulfilled much too soon.

        In November of 2008 Kayla and her sister, Katie, were on their way to meet their parents and older brother Kyle for dinner when they were struck by another vehicle. Both girls were severely injured and, tragically, Kayla did not survive her injuries. She was only 17 years old.

          Kayla’s parents remembered her decision to be an organ and tissue donor from a brief conversation they had when she passed the driver’s exam and they graciously honored her decision.  Because Kayla was a minor, it was up to her parents to approve her decision. “It doesn’t make me any less sad,” shares her mom, Sue. “I still miss her so much, but it’s one of the positives we look at.”

         Kayla’s organs saved the lives of four people and her gifts of tissue donation will help dozens more. The shy honor roll student who was described by her friends and cousins as “goofy” with a “great sense of humor” has left an incredible legacy. She played the flute, loved to dance, draw, listen to music and travel with her family.

          Just a few months after her death, Kayla’s family met Halley, the 12 year old girl who received the gift of Kayla’s liver. “It’s good to know she lives on and is helping other people,” says Sue.​



Halley Anderson - "Thank you, Kayla"​

        In the fall of 2008, Halley went to the doctor for severe abdominal pain. Further tests were required to determine the problem and these tests revealed she would need surgery.  During the mal-rotation surgery, doctors discovered that Halley had a condition called cirrhosis that had ruined her liver. In order to survive Halley would need a transplant as soon as possible.

         It was shocking for this sixth grader to go from healthy to near-death in only a few short months. Twelve year olds aren’t often faced with such grown up situations and Halley has a maturity that reflects her experience.

        In November 2008, just a short time after joining the national transplant waiting list, Halley received the liver that saved her life. Although she was scared at the prospect of going through another surgery she remained strong and was out of the hospital in just ten days.

         Shortly after her transplant, Halley discovered that the generous donor that gave her the gift of life was a 17 year old girl named Kayla. She jumped at the chance to meet Kayla’s parents and her sister, Katie, with whom she instantly clicked. “It felt as though I’d always know them,” she shares. “I guess it’s because I have a part of Kayla in me.”



Heath Eiland (RIP)​

​         Heath Eiland, a young teenager who saved 6 lives after his own death. He lost his life in a skateboarding accident in May of 2011. His family was traumatized, but even in such a situation, his parents made the generous decision to donate his organs. Because of this decision, six people’s lives were changed. One of the six that received his organs is Chris Mendez, who had Heath’s liver transplanted to him.























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Anna du Saire, Recipient of Liver​

       At the age of two, Anna received the liver transplant that saved her life. Anna was diagnosed with a disease called Biliary Atresia at just nine weeks old; five days later she had surgery to prolong her life until she was able to receive her transplant. Eleven months later she joined the national transplant waiting list.

       “We didn’t know what to think,” says Anna’s mom, Kim. “It just happened so fast. The surgery she received as an infant had to be done before twelve weeks of age, so we were grateful that the diagnosis came when it did.”

         Anna had been on the transplant waiting list for a year when her parents received the call that a liver was available in April of 2002. “I remember it exactly,” says Kim. “It was 6:18 on the morning of my birthday.”

     Nearly eight years later, Anna is a healthy, active and vibrant little girl who is approaching her tenth birthday – a milestone that may not have been possible without her transplant. “Without treatment, patients with Anna’s condition often only live about two years,” shares Kim. “We are just so appreciative that another family made the generous decision to share life with our daughter.”

Anna loves dancing, playing with friends and being onstage as she prepares for her school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and is preparing for her fourth trip to the US Transplant Games in the summer of 2010.

       “You can never predict what path your life will take,” reflects Kim. “The fate of her needing a transplant has introduced us to so many wonderful people we wouldn’t have otherwise met. It’s an unfortunate event that led us to this fortunate place. It’s been an amazing experience.



Andrea, ​Recipient of Kidney

          Andrea considers herself one lucky woman, although it is apparent that her success in life is due to her positive outlook in the face of adversity, her faith, and the generosity of an organ donor. A healthy child and teen, Andrea suffered kidney failure at the age of nineteen for reasons doctors could not explain. She spent seventeen days in the hospital and was told her only options were to immediately begin dialysis and to receive a kidney transplant.

         For the next eleven years, she endured three-hour dialysis sessions three times per week that sapped her energy and waited for the opportunity to receive a donated kidney. It was difficult to schedule life around dialysis and Andrea’s body was worn out, causing her to become isolated, miss family functions and go into survival mode, living from one dialysis treatment to the next. However, Andrea never succumbed to negativity in her life and stayed focused on her goals and dreams. “Even on days I felt my worst, I used positive affirmations to keep my spirits up. I knew I would have a life of success.”

            In December 1999, Andrea found out that her younger sister had been evaluated as a kidney donor and was a perfect match; their surgery was scheduled for March 2000. Their surgery was put on hold a short time later when her sister found out she was pregnant. A few days later, while at church, Andrea’s pager buzzed and she was told there was a kidney available for her.

            A mix of emotions ensued and Andrea turned to her faith. While getting ready to go to the hospital, she spoke to God about what lay before her and had a life-changing experience. “There was an assurance in my spirit that everything was going to be okay.” Things began to move fast and Andrea had another realization – for eleven years she had been tied to a machine and now, overnight, there was the potential for her life to change drastically.

           Immediately after her transplant, Andrea suffered a mental blow; the kidney did not work and she had to go back on dialysis. Luckily, that only lasted a few weeks; just before Christmas in 1999, Andrea’s new kidney began to work. She has been free of dialysis since that day. “My health, energy and outlook started to pick up and I knew my life had changed. My kidney transplant gave me hope.”

       Today Andrea is self-employed as a successful financial analyst, working on receiving her final two brokerage licenses. She is at peace with her life and enjoys traveling, growing her business and spending time with family and friends.

        “It’s overwhelming what human beings can do, and to have the chance to save someone else’s life is incredible.”