For Oklahoma City woman Megan Bartholomew, her father was – and still is – her hero in every way. At fifty-three years old, Gary Cramer was a man of simple joys and endless talents. His three children described him as a true gentleman, a hard worker, and a present, steady parent. No matter the hours at work, and no matter how difficult the project, Gary showed up for his family in incredible and selfless ways.
Gary served his country proudly in the United States Air Force for twelve years before returning home and serving his community with the United States Postal Service. He was a charter member of New Beginning Fellowship Church, living out his faith in everything he did.
As Gary’s only daughter, Megan had a special relationship with her father.
“I’ll admit I had a special place in my dad’s heart,” she reflected with a smile. “I always joked that I was the favorite…though I wasn’t really joking. He treated me with such love and care that I grew up knowing my worth, and I will forever cherish that gift. Before I could drive, my dad took me everywhere, from activities to little things like hair or nail appointments, shopping trips, or anything he knew would make me happy. He’d bring a book, sit patiently, and simply enjoy the time together. He never once made it feel like a burden. Those quiet, ordinary moments — just the two of us — are the ones I treasure most deeply.”
In the days following his sudden passing, Gary’s family began to navigate the complexities of end-of-life planning. Megan shared that although that period of time was fast and confusing, her family was offered hope when Gary became an organ, eye and tissue donor.
“When you see the little red heart on someone’s license, you think, yes, organ donation is so amazing and wonderful, but you never expect your life, or your loved one’s life, to be affected in such a way,” said Megan, who was just twenty at the time of Gary’s passing. “But it was never a question. My dad was a giver, a doer, a provider…We knew he wanted to donate anything and everything possible.”
Gary saved three lives by donating both of his kidneys and his liver.
In the years following his compassionate gift, Megan connected with the family of Short Winters, the liver recipient from Guymon, Oklahoma whose life was saved through Gary’s donation. Though they’ve only met through emails, letters and online messages, their ongoing conversations have made an incredible impact on her life.
Short’s loved ones say he is a wonderful dad, golfer, team roper, dancer, and very involved in his local church. At 52 years old, Short was diagnosed with alpha one antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disease that affected his lungs and liver. At the time he was listed for transplant, he had lost nearly 70 pounds, gone through multiple procedures, and relied on oxygen.
Over twenty of his neighbors offered to be tested as living donors, but none were matches. By the time he received his first call that there was a transplant available in Denver, Colorado, he was too sick for the surgery. After traveling back to Oklahoma City, Short received treatment for encephalopathy, and he was put back on the waitlist.
On January 30, 2007, Short received the lifesaving call. His surgery went quickly without complications, and within just six hours, he was off the ventilator and ready to go into recovery for his second chance at life.
“Since the transplant, Short has led a wonderful life,” his wife, Claudia shared. “He was able to walk our daughter down the aisle, and we now have three beautiful granddaughters…We attend a wonderful church and have many new friends. Everyone loves him and his bigger than life personality.”
Short and Claudia now live nearby their granddaughters and are teaching them to ride horses. He continues to share his story around the community, expressing his gratitude for receiving the gift of life.
“I find so much comfort in knowing that while my dad is gone, this sweet and amazing family is together and whole because of his generous gift,” Megan said. “For that, I will always be grateful; to organ donation, and to LifeShare for making it possible.”
Today, Megan is still connected with LifeShare Oklahoma, the state’s nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and inspiring hope through organ, eye and tissue recovery and transplantation. This is her second year participating in the Little Red Heart Race, an event hosted by the
LifeShare Foundation to bring awareness to the lifesaving possibilities of donation and honor all those whose lives have been touched by donation.
Megan is hosting a fundraiser on behalf of the Foundation to keep Gary’s memory alive and honor his incredible gift. Gary will be honored at this year’s race in the Memorial Garden at Lake Hefner’s Stars and Stripes Park, a special space to share the stories of the donor heroes in Oklahoma who have saved lives.
LifeShare Oklahoma encourages all Oklahomans to get involved by registering their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, and by signing up to attend this year’s Little Red Heart Race. The event will feature a USATF Certified 5K run, a one-mile walk, and a social ticket to enjoy the festivities. For those who wish to support the LifeShare Foundation but cannot join in person, there is a virtual option as well.
