Donor Stories Archives - Page 2 of 5 - LifeShareOK

The Little Red Heart: More Than a Symbol

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

LifeShare Completes First Organ Perfusion Flight Using OrganOx Technology

Milestone expands access and safety in organ transplantation LifeShare Oklahoma reached a major milestone in its organ perfusion program, completing its first successful flight transporting a liver for transplant being actively perfused using the OrganOx metra device. LifeShare Oklahoma is the statewide nonprofit organization responsible for organ and tissue donation, which previously made history as the first in

A Mother’s Love Continued Through the Gift of Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

Sapulpa woman’s life of compassion and service honored through donation Throughout her life, Cherie Murphy of Sapulpa, Okla., was fun-loving, patient, and profoundly dedicated to her family and community. Cherie brightened every room she entered, turning everyday activities into beautiful memories for her family. Her son, Jared, recalled his favorite moments from his childhood; his mother opening all the

Tom Stamp, Lung Recipient

After being diagnosed with an incurable disease his doctors could not explain, Tom Stamp, of Oklahoma City, knew he was running out of time. That is, until a lung transplant gave him a second chance at life. At 62, Tom learned he had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that causes scar tissue to

LifeShare Awarded Achievement of Excellence

In 2025, LifeShare embarked on a Journey to Excellence, identifying areas for growth, improvement, and increased efficiency. The team hosted Oklahoma Quality Foundation examiners to evaluate the organization’s systems, operations and processes. We are pleased to share that LifeShare Network was awarded the Level 5 Oklahoma State Award for Performance Excellence, the highest recognition in

LifeShare Network Celebrates 40 Years of Saving Lives and Inspiring Hope

LifeShare Network, Oklahoma’s only federally designated, nonprofit organ procurement organization, proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of honoring the legacy of donor heroes and transforming the lives of all those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation. Founded in 1986, LifeShare has grown to be a nationally recognized leader in donation and transplantation services. Over the past 40

Donor Stories

Living a Life with Heart

Marissa Murrow, a 19-year-old from Mustang, Okla., lived her life guided by love. She made a profound impact in her 19 years on earth. She was a light to many in her life; her friends described her as a ‘ray of sunshine’ with a ‘heart of gold’ and ‘contagious smile’. Music was a part of

March 28, 2023 No Comments

Donor Stories

Southern Oklahoma Teen to be Remembered in National Parade

Join LifeShare for the unveiling of Floragraph for Rose Parade Float Join LifeShare of Oklahoma as we honor Morgan Flynn, of Tushka, as our floragraph honoree for the 2023 Rose Parade. LifeShare is the organ procurement organization in Oklahoma responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. Every year, LifeShare of Oklahoma

October 31, 2022 No Comments

Donor Stories

Oklahoma Pastor and Church Planter Saves Lives through Donation

Greg Penna, of Edmond, was known as many things: a loyal husband of 27 years, a father of three, a pastor, a church planting missionary, and an avid Saints fan. Greg loved his wife, Cindy, and was always supportive, encouraging and caring towards her emotions. Together, they loved their companionship, watching football games and serving

March 22, 2022 No Comments

Donor Stories

The Generosity Circle Chloe Hyatt

There is a critical need for Native American organ and tissue donors. 1,000 native Americans are waiting for someone to donate the organ that will save their lives. Most – approximately 85% – are waiting on a kidney. Many will not find an organ donor in time.The shortage of organs for transplant affects all ethnic

March 8, 2022 No Comments

Donor Stories

The Generosity Circle Sherri Eades

March 8, 2022 No Comments

Donor Stories

Shelby Johnson, Donor Hero

Shelby Johnson, of Shawnee, Okla., had a vibrant personality, and her smile and laughter could light up a room. At every opportunity, she gracefully made friends as she genuinely loved and accepted people just as they were. As a good friend would, Shelby put others’ needs above her own. She tried in all her might

December 6, 2021 No Comments

Donor Stories

Young Man Leaves Legacy Among Family and Friends

Family Encourages Others to Register as a Donor Nate Smith, of Edmond, was a wildly athletic 19-year-old who loved the great outdoors. He was the life of the party and full of adventure. His bright smile drew people to him. Growing up, Nate was in foster care and when he was adopted at 13 years

March 12, 2021 No Comments

Donor Stories

Remembering Mariee Mena

Mariee was a star softball player at the University of Oklahoma and was full of life. She was the daughter of two very proud parents, a loving sister, a caring cousin – and she greatly cared about her friends and family. Mariee was dedicated in everything she set forth in. As a child with plenty

December 9, 2020 No Comments

Donor Stories

Well-Loved Man Gives the Gift of Life – LifeShare Celebrates National Donor Day

Rod, of Oklahoma City, had first met his wife in 1991 during their freshman year at Oklahoma State. They were great friends through college. Sixteen years after they graduated, they reconnected, met again and instantly fell in love. Today, he is remembered as a generous husband and father – but also as a hero. February

September 4, 2020 No Comments

Donor Stories

A Lover and Giver of Life

Earlier this year, staff, family and friends lined the hallways of a local hospital to honor Evan Smartt, a teenager of Edmond, Okla., who made a heroic decision to save lives as an organ and tissue donor. The honor walk, as it’s called, takes place in a pause between death and life; after brain death

May 19, 2020 No Comments