Donor Stories Archives - Page 5 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

Aidan Hooper, Tissue Donor Hero

Aidan Hooper, of Edmond, Okla., had a way of creating adventure out of everything he did. He had a huge, loving heart and was quick to share that love. He was always conscious of others’ feelings and was a best friend to everyone. During Aidan’s first Catholic Mass at a family reunion, the priest announced

October 10, 2014 No Comments

Donor Stories

Gary Allen Pickens, Jr., Donor Hero

December 25, 1991 – March 26, 2013 Born on Christmas Day, Gary was the best gift a mom could receive. Gary was kindhearted and always put others’ needs first. He and his mother were very close. He was always making her laugh, and referred to her as his #1. Although Gary was an only child,

March 26, 2013 No Comments

Donor Stories

Curtis Kingfisher, Sooner for a Day

Curtis Kingfisher, son of Floyd and Rhonda Kingfisher of Salina, Oklahoma, was born with serious health challenges. At first, the doctors gave the Kingfishers no hope at all. Even when Curtis had rallied and was well enough to go home, they predicted that his kidneys would fail altogether by the time he was five or

June 1, 2010 No Comments