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On Sunday, January 21, 1990 our daughter, Regina Maurine, was stricken with an aneurysm, which caused her to be "brain dead". She was admitted to Elmhurst General Hospital and existed on machines through Monday evening when we were told that there was nothing further that could be done for her. As God would have it, our Minister went to the hospital to visit Gina and at that time he was a representative from the New York Regional Transplant office. Rev. He discussed the possibility of transplantation with our family. He described fully the urgent need for organs and that this would be a way in which her life could be continued through others. In as much as we, as a family, have always been involved with and concerned about our fellowman, it became easier to identify with this positive possibility than planting her remains in the ground. I have always had reservations about returning to the ground.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to have made this precious Gift of Life to other people. As we understand two people were taken-off dialysis machines, her heart was given to one whom was waiting for a long time as well as other tissues and organs shred with other unknown persons. Just knowing that the parts of her that are important in making a human are still alive in others makes our days a little brighter and the burden of her loss much lighter. She and I continue to communicate in our little ways as she stills lives within us. She was vibrant and loving young woman who brought a lot of joy into our lives and we are grateful for those years. We will, therefore, continue to work with translation. We believe in the concept as being our gift of life from "God who is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." - 1John 4-16.
As a Donor mother, the rewards have been fulfilling through contact with recipients who, themselves, are so grateful for someone having cared enough to give them an organ so that they could live a full and abundant life. There is warmth that helps to heal my wounds for our loss when we come together — sharing and caring. I wholeheartedly endorse translation as a GIFT OF LIFE and highly recommend it to all who would share in sharing. The NEED IS GREAT!
Mrs. Ruby L. Stroman
The R. Stroman Family
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Donors & Their Families
