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InSights

Donor Family Story: Zoey Angel Malensek (Holland)

When I was 26, I conceived Zoey Angel. Her name Zoey is Greek for life-giving, and Angel was the logical choice to follow that first name. She was indeed my life-giving angel as she gave me purpose in life and changed me.

The night after her suicide, there was a call from a SC number. I usually don’t answer numbers without names, but I did. This was the only light in the abyss my life had fallen into after Zoey Angel’s suicide. Millions of people saw her goodbye note on Facebook. The organ donation volunteer spent over an hour with me on the phone. They were kind and patient.

Two days after she died, I saw people commenting on her Facebook how they were worried about her cat, so I created a page for her cat, Zoey Angel’s Cat, King. Instantly almost there were 17k followers and millions of viewers on the content I posted regularly to let people know that her cat, King, was ok. They also got to see when I received letters and other items from orgs like Miracles in Sight. As a result, many people have told me that they have became donors registered. Many also have told me that her Facebook page provides daily hope to keep going and not take their life.

Because of Zoey, I became a teacher which allowed me to teach where she went to school subsequently for free. She and I went together to Christian Academies till she was in second grade. Then she went to a popular Catholic school for the remainder of elementary school. Meanwhile I finished graduate degree and started teaching in higher ed while dabbling in software engineering. At middle school age, she wanted to go to public school, and she did, always happy and enjoying her friendships.

Because of her, I’d created years of teaching experience that led me eventually to college administration. We had moved around the country through those experiences, finally landing in Myrtle Beach in 2020 where I was able to work from home and we lived down the street from my parents and brother.

By then, she was 22. Somehow she’d begun battling eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. She never wanted to let anyone into her fights, denying they existed but they were apparent to me and others whom she withdrew from.

Because of her anxiety, she never finished things like school or work. She was not able to keep a job till finally in 2024 she started working in the back at Goodwill where she sorted people’s donations. That was the longest she’d ever kept a job. I was proud of her and told her so. Finally, things were seeming like they were going to be better and the future was bright.

On a windy March day, friends started texting me while I was at work “Is Zoey ok?” I went looking for her. It was around noon. I’d heard her go out the front door at about 11 and hadn’t thought about it being odd that she’d had no coffee that day.

I wandered next door to the pool parking lot and saw her suv. I was already on the phone with 911 during the search. I screamed when I saw the shattered car window.

Jumping forward to that night, there was a call from organ donors. As noted, it has been wonderful hearing that Zoey Angel’s gifts helped one or two people. I appreciated the gifts they have sent to me and find some comfort in them. I would love to hear from any donor who received some of Zoey’s gifts.

Donor Family Story: Samuel Erb

 

Sam was the oldest of our three boys.  He was always the quiet one.  He would have his head in a book or two, reading all the time.  A good fantasy story or a Star Wars game was never too good not to introduce to his brothers.  He valued three things above:  His family, his love for a good story, and being a Texan.

Growing up, Sam made friends that would last long after we moved, or switching schools.  He made that kind of impression on people. He spent countless hours playing video games online with his uncle, and nephews. And Texas was his “motherland” and made sure to tell his loved ones that, “There is TEXAS; and there is NOT-Texas!”.  

In 2020, just before the pandemic struck, we discovered Sam had Type 1 Diabetes.  He nearly passed early that year, but God spared him and let him remain with us.  And boy did he make the most of it.  He never said no to anyone.  Volunteer, sure.  Donations, absolutely.  Cover a shift, perfect.  He was always proud to help.  He came to me in early ’23, and asked if we could build a room in our garage that he could move into.  “Kind of my own apartment” type thing.  So we proceeded, he was so happy to be independent, without being independent.   

From the day, he moved til that fateful day God called for him, he always came thru our back door with and called out in his best Obi-wan Kenobi voice, “Hello there”.

His last act on this earth was to give.  He was gentle, kind, and never spoke ill of anyone.  God bless the individuals that benefit from his giving.  May your life be full of joy and happiness.  I hope you see the world as Sam did, a beautiful and amazing place that was to be cherished.

Donor Family Story: Isreal Reynero

Isreal Tomas Reynero was my son out of 3 boys he was my middle child age 22 years old. He was a handsome boy he loved his family very much and his job he had for 4 years, Isreal had been working since he was 7. We struggled so much we were homeless so he made it happen to keep a roof over our heads. Isreal was the light that brighten up our lives everyday he had a smile that everyone loved and still loves. It’s an honor to help others because he would love that he did for everyone and he puts himself last like me his mother. It was my pleasure to help where it was needed and I thank yall for our gift it meant a lot to me at this time of loss. My son was everything to me I took care of him through his sickness and I know he’s looking down on what you guys did. Thank you

My son passed on December 22, 2024 and I have to understand that I no longer have my baby to help to protect to keep safe he’s in a place where he’s taken care of.

Donor Family Story: Jace King

On 12/10/24, my husband of 20 years passed away unexpectedly from multiple clots in his lungs. I never thought I would lose him that day but things were in motion beyond my control. After the worst night of my life, I got a call from a Miracles In Sight team member, the next morning. She was extremely respectful and caring. I didn’t know which end was up but I let her talk and she reminded me Jace was an organ donor. His eyes were the only organ he could donate because of how his body gave out. She told me a bit about the program and told me that she understood it was a tough time but she would need an answer soon. I really wanted to honor his wishes and think it out. After discussing with family, they called back the next day and I said yes. I knew it was possible it may go to research but I was hoping someone could get them. His eyes were caring, loving, smart and compassionate. They were what I thought I would see everyday until I was old and gray. I wanted part of him to live on. They were respectful of my time, answered any questions and then they took it from there. Is few weeks later, I received a letter in the mail from miracles saying they were able to place his eyes with a recipient. That made my heart so happy and the thought of part of Jace living on, was the best outcome from the donation. I miss the light and love behind those eyes everyday. I hope someone else gets to experience that with the donation.

The process was super positive in such a dark time. The staff at miracle had the hardest job by calling a widow the day after her husband’s death. I can’t imagine the heart it takes to do that job.

Jace was a strong, smart, silly, loving and funny man who had left us too soon. His heart was with his family of pups and the patients he helped in his nursing career.

Recipient Story: Lynn Neillie

My name is Lynn Neillie and I have 20/20 eyesight–as a 68 year old! But prior to 2017, that was not my situation. I had Fuch’s Dystrophy, a condition that would eventually cause diminishing (think grey, foggy) then zero eyesight—without a cornea transplant.

Thankfully, I have had two wonderful doctors who knew the diagnosis of Fuch’s (thank you Dr. Laura Miller!) and knew exactly what to do about it: (thank you, skilled expert surgeon Dr. David Tremblay!).

I didn’t realize for many years how poor my eyesight was. Every morning I would have a very difficult time seeing. My view was grey and fuzzy. Throughout the day, though, it gradually improved but never to truly good eyesight. A symptom of Fuch’s is that your eyesight improves throughout the day as the cells in my eyes would dismiss the moisture that they had gathered overnight.

I am a professional speaker and workshop leader. I have traveled all around the world—now I realize: not always having a clear view. Today I only minimally wear reading glasses and I amaze my young friends by reading signs and seeing sights that they can’t see. Who knew I could have 20:20 eyesight later in life?!

My favorite 30-day timeframe was when my first eye had received the cadaver cornea and I realized out of that eye: I could see clearly, light didn’t hurt me, things were not grey. While we were waiting the prescribed 30 days before the second eye surgery, I had the privilege of perspective: of the second untreated eye’s poor sight. What a grey blurry world was that eye’s outlook—until Dr. Tremblay’s next surgery!

I am so grateful. I praise God every day for my unselfish donors who gave me their corneas and for Dr. Miller and Dr. Tremblay sharing their expertise with me.

Donor Family Story: Caleb Williams

Our 26 year old son, Caleb, was an organ donor. He suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of a fall brought on by a grand mal seizure. His anatomical gifts included heart, lungs. kidneys and liver. When we received the Miracles In Sight blanket, we were made aware that his eyes were also making life better for someone else. His grandmother is legally blind, and she was very happy to think that Caleb’s gift could help bring sight to someone.

Caleb signed up as a donor of his own accord. We didn’t give it much thought until the moment in the hospital when we were informed that he would not recover. We agreed to his organ donation. The process gave us a more positive closure. Knowing that he was bringing a better quality of life to others, gave us peace. Having more understanding of the donation process, makes us desire to become organ donors as well.

Caleb loved helping others. He cared for older people and those less fortunate than himself. He had a Great Pyrenees named Luna that he cared for and walked often. He played football from the 3rd grade through college. He was Green Bay Packer fan. He was a great son, brother and friend to many. He had a great sense of humor and loved children. He always took the time to play games with them and make them feel special. He will be greatly missed.

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