Organ Donation: A Bittersweet Story of a Friendship That Began in the Darkest Hour

The Snap Mom


Mary and her husband Tim lost their 29 year old son TJ (Tim Jr.- pictured above) in 2009 due to a softball accident. It was during a game one night, when he and another softball player collided while trying to catch a fly ball.

TJ was hit in the head and was unconscious immediately and remained so until he passed away two days later. He had a severe brain injury, having 3 skull fractures. Because of TJ’s decision to donate his organs, 3 people received life-saving organ transplants and his parents began a life-long friendship with one recipient in particular,who received TJ’s heart and who’s name (funny enough) is Tim.

What was your initial feeling/reaction about the fact that your son chose organ donation?
I clearly remember where we were standing in my kitchen, when my son, TJ, told me that he is an organ donor. I guess I had known that both my daughter Shana and TJ were organ donors, because I had heard them talking about it, but I had never discussed it with them until that day in the kitchen. I don’t even remember what sparked the conversation, but I remember TJ saying to me, ‘well mom, I am an organ donor’ and I reacted with, ‘ TJ, are you sure you want to be an organ donor?’ I can still see his face, when he kinda smiled and said, ‘mom, if I wouldn’t be here anymore, why shouldn’t someone else have my organs?’

That conversation with him has helped us immensely, in dealing with his death and realizing how blessed we are to have a relationship as friends with 3 of his recipients. We carried out his wishes, and see the wonderful results of his gift. TJ didn’t just respond at the DMV with a ‘yes’ answer when the lady behind the desk asked, ‘do you want to be an organ donor?’ He had decided before he got there, because he had told me so. That conversation is a big plus in helping us accept all that has happened.
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______________________________________________________
"You have the power to SAVE lives."
To register as a donor in California:
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
Outside California:
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net

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