Ambassador Stories
A series of short videos introducing OneLegacy Ambassadors as they share their donation and transplantation stories of full of hope, faith, triumph, and perseverance.
Charlene, an incredibly brave mother of three, experiences the heart-wrenching loss of her youngest child. In the wake of this devastating tragedy, she finds the strength to honor her daughter's legacy and create a supportive community for others who have faced similar situations. Kali Rose, her precious daughter, saved four lives and left an indelible mark on the world during her brief yet beautiful time here.
Duane, a vibrant and successful man, full of life and energy, is struck down by a rare disease, leaving him in desperate need of a heart and a kidney. This experience brings him a new lease on life and inspires him to become a part of the OneLegacy Ambassador program, driven by a deep desire to give back and help others facing similar challenges.
OneLegacy proudly shares the impactful story of Arnold Jr., a young man who has spent his life honoring his older brother Hernan, even though the two never met. Hernan passed away before Arnold was born, but in his passing, he made a significant impact by saving lives through organ donation. Arnold, along with his mother and father, now spends his free time honoring their lost angel and the lives he saved.
Annually, as we embark on a new school year, we are inspired by the triumphant story of Kelly, a beloved Spanish teacher, mother, and wife in Southern California. Kelly's community rallied around her as she awaited and ultimately received a heart and kidney transplant. Although she has never met her donor family, she shares what she would tell them and how the experience has profoundly changed her perspective on life, inspiring us all with the power of hope and resilience.
After Jasmine passed away suddenly at the age of twenty, her mother, Rita, found herself in a deep depression. An unexpected letter from one of her daughter's tissue recipients brought joy and purpose back to Rita's life and moved her to become a OneLegacy Ambassador. Now, Rita dedicates herself to supporting other donor parents throughout their grief and sharing the story of her daughter's gifts.
At 18 months old, Celina was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney disorder. After the birth of her first daughter, her kidney failed. Celina received a transplant from a living donor, her brother. After having her second daughter, her brother's kidney failed, and Celina was put on dialysis. After a decade on dialysis, Celina received the call that a kidney was available to her from a deceased donor. In this video, she discusses the difference between her two donors and how her daughters forced her to persevere.
After surviving cirrhosis through a liver transplant, Michael saw the world through with a whole new perspective. His dedicated husband stood by him in the darkest hours. Michael now finds live in the light thanks to a selfless organ donor. He enjoys working in the circus and teaching children activities like juggling and stilt walking.
Adrian, a generous, handsome, 22-year-old, Hispanic college student, fell ill, and after several days of misdiagnosis, his family learned that he had a fatal case of bacterial meningitis. Adrian had shared with his mother, Maria, prior to his passing, that he wanted to be an organ donor if anything ever happened to him, and he became a donor in his passing. His family found comfort in carrying his legacy and inspiring others to be donors.
Donor mom Raquel tells the story of Brittany, a loving, charismatic only child who left her family in California as a young adult to stay with extended family in New Orleans. While there, she found a job at a hospital and began building a life. After a severe car accident, she remained in a coma as her coworkers and family rallied around her. While at first, she showed signs of recovery, but an unexpected blood clot turned the prognosis from bad to worse. This loving young woman, in a final act of sacrifice, ultimately saved others.
After a dire health scare impacts this girl-dad of seven, Robert is given the gift of life through a heart and kidney transplant. Robert now advocates not only donation and transplantation but also men's health. He continues to shine his bright light on the world, because someone said yes to donation.
A family is changed forever when a car accident claims the life of a young child named Ivan. Donor mom, Regina, tells his story in this episode. His family learned to find comfort from their loved ones and community, while realizing the lasting impact of Ivan's organ donation. Ivan loved superheroes in life and became one in his passing.
After a near-death battle with cirrhosis, Rene's life was saved by a liver transplant from a young man named Nicholas. Together with his family, Rene honors Nicholas's legacy of kindness.
Stephanie's unrivaled energy led her to a successful career as a music manager. When her pregnancy triggered a rare disease, she found herself quickly in need of a lung transplant. To her surprise, she found more in common with her donor than just a life-saving organ: both share a poetic connection to music.
A lifelong baseball player and a true Dodger fan, Scott proposed to the mother of his son at a Dodger game. He enjoyed taking photos and often compared sunset pictures with his mother. During COVID, after an attempted suicide had irreversible effects, Scott gave the generous gift of life to others, healing his own family in the process. Scott's mother, Paula, shares her experience of healing and grief in a beautiful and honest way. If you or someone you know suffers from depression, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Cheryl is a self-described "sister who wanted to save her brother." When her brother's life was threatened by polycystic kidney disease, Cheryl stepped up to the plate to donate. Today, Cheryl advocates for living organ donation to save and improve lives.
As a living donor, Elaine saved not one, but TWO lives. After donating her kidney to her uncle, Elaine felt inspired to donate her liver to a child in need. After calling many hospitals, USC helped Elaine match with a baby girl – just in time for Thanksgiving.
When Rachel's first grandson passed away suddenly and tragically, she struggled with grief and anger. However, after Malaikye was able to give others the gift of life through organ donation, Rachel found purpose and healing through sharing his story.
Kim was surprised to discover she would be a grandmother but soon welcomed her grandson Malaikye into a life of love. After Malaikye's tragic death, Kim realized organ donation and transplantation were a way to find healing for her family.
Richard experienced more than just the miracle of his heart transplant; he understood the real meaning of giving as strangers showed up to support and love him from the moment he was diagnosed until well after his transplant. His journey through heart failure to transplant even birthed a new Christmas tradition.
