Oklahoma advocate for organ donation now hoping for his own second chance
For lifelong Oklahoman Virgil Bonham, of Kingfisher, the transplant journey is a reminder of the impact one decision can make to shape your future – and potentially save the life of another.
Each year, thousands of new drivers are asked a very important question when receiving their license: “Would you like to register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor?” Today, that question is asked through a written electronic system, but that was not always the case. In the early 2010’s, Virgil paved the way for communities across the state to more easily, privately and securely register their decision to give the gift of life.
House Bill 1528, known as the Oklahoma Organ Donor Education and Awareness Program (ODEAP) was created to educate Oklahomans about the lifesaving possibilities of donation and encourage residents to join the national registry. The program, which still exists today, requires Service Oklahoma Driver’s License Operators to present constituents with the option to get the little red heart on their license, indicating their choice to be an organ donor.
Originally, the legislation required these employees to verbally ask the important question. In addition, the request included a solicitation of a one-dollar donation to the ODEAP Revolving Fund, which is a contribution used toward programs educating Oklahoma communities about organ, eye and tissue donation.
“I began to wonder if the verbal question was impacting the number of people who were making the decision to register,” Virgil said. “Employees didn’t want people to feel they had to choose one way or the other. I felt that making it into a written option would give our customers an opportunity to make that choice without any external pressure.”
After noticing the impact of verbally inquiring on those faced with the decision, Virgil decided to take action. Through his observations and career as Director at the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Virgil carefully collected data. He then connected with LifeShare Oklahoma and lawmakers at the Oklahoma State Capitol to lobby for changes to key wording in the legislation.
Through his advocacy, he was successful in changing the way Oklahomans registered their decision at the DMV, shifting the registration question from a verbal one to digitally and privately through the signature pad.
“I didn’t have a personal connection to donation before we began this process,” he shared. “I’ve always supported donation and have the little red heart on my license. I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It just felt like the right thing to do.”
More than a decade later, Virgil is hoping for his own second chance.
For twelve years, Virgil lived with heart failure, which was regulated through medication. However, after he broke his arm in 2022, he learned his ejection fraction, the amount of blood pumped out of his heart, was dangerously low. He quickly received a pacemaker, but was told by his medical team that he would need to begin evaluation to join the transplant waitlist.
He was officially listed for transplant on August 1, 2024, and today, he is still waiting for a lifesaving gift.
“Looking back on my previous advocacy, I never considered I’d be a recipient myself,” Virgil said. “You never know when you may do something that will change the lives of others – including yourself.”
A talented bluegrass songwriter and musician, Virgil hopes for a chance to continue creating and sharing his music with others. Throughout his career, he and his band, The Bonhams, have had an opportunity to perform across the U.S. and Europe, and have shared the stage with many incredible figures in the industry.
Virgil has an incredible community surrounding him as he waits for his second chance. His wife of 41 years, Rhonda, his siblings and neighbors continue to be a strong support system, and Virgil looks to the future with hope.
“My time will come,” Virgil reflected. “For now, I stay active. I continue playing music. I’m ready to get healthy and continue to spend time with my family.”
There are more than 800 Oklahomans waiting to receive a lifesaving or life enhancing transplant, and more than 100,000 people across the country. One donor hero has the potential to save up to eight lives and enhance 75 more. You can inspire hope by registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at LifeShareOK.org.
