Emily Beyea was only 10 years old when she passed away. However, in that time she managed to spread a lifetime of love, caring, joy and silliness throughout her world. “She was a sassy, outspoken, beautiful, activist, who saw the world as it should be… and saw the best in people,” says her mom, Tyler.

Emily’s love for helping others made her family’s choice to donate her organs and eye tissue an obvious one.

From an early age, she found many causes to get involved with, from sea turtle care to national park conservation to polar bear protection. She was a regular volunteer at the nonprofit Tyler works for, which feeds children at risk for hunger. Emily even created an “adopt-a-thon” there where each child could “adopt” a stuffed animal — most of which were from her own collection.

She loved the sand and the sea, enjoying vacations with her mom, dad (Bill) and older brother (Billy) to Jockey’s Ridge in the Outer Banks. And she was always joking, making funny videos and talking with anyone she met. “She was the silliest person you would ever meet,” Tyler explains. “Emily just loved doing simple things. She brought so much brightness into the world.”

Although an undiagnosed food allergy took her life, Emily lives on in many ways through the immeasurable amount of compassion, happiness and generosity she inspired around her. Emily’s family still comes across funny video clips of her that she didn’t get around to sharing with them. They continue to contribute to causes she supported, and they draw strength from knowing that she would want them to keep reaching out to help others. “It can be hard to get out of bed some days,” says Tyler. “But I know Emily would be none too pleased if I didn’t.”

Because of how Emily lived to help people, the decision to donate wasn’t even a question. Of course, it is what Emily would have wanted them to do. And it provides them with some measure of comfort to know that her eyes and heart have made a life-changing difference for others.

“Knowing there are people out there who see and live through her, helps so much in our healing,” says Tyler. “Her expressive eyes, who saw the world in a different way, full of wonder and whimsy, and her huge heart, used to love and be loved by all.”

The heartbreak of losing their daughter led Tyler and Bill to start a local chapter of Compassionate Friends, a support group and network for parents who have lost children. The couple is also active in allergy awareness and organ donor organizations. “The lessons Emily has taught us are: Be Kind, Live Simply and Be Silly,” Tyler adds. “This is how we try to get through each day without her.”

You wanted to know about my mother. She was a beautiful and kind woman. She also was a God-fearing woman and never knew a stranger. She would carry a conversation with you, like she had known you her whole life. 

She had a heart of gold and would do anything to help a person in need. I think coffee was her favorite drink, lol. She has seven kids and a beloved cat smoky that truthfully was just like her 8th kid. That was who our beloved mother was.

Thank you for giving us the chance to tell you about her and letting her be a donor. She would have been so happy to be able to help someone else. 

The following is the second in a two-part story of the special connection between the family of tissue donor, Tim Page, and the recipient of his donated corneal tissue, Wendy Bolling.

The following is the second in a two-part story of the special connection between the family of tissue donor, Tim Page, and the recipient of his donated corneal tissue, Wendy Bolling.

Timothy Nathaniel Page, Jr., was a loving person. He loved his family — his father, his mother, his sister and his four daughters and nieces and nephews. He loved food. He loved to tell jokes. He always had a smile on his face. He loved the Lord. And he loved people.

“To meet him was to know him,” says his mother, Sararecia Long. “He was a funny, bubbly person and was well-liked.” Although his life changed when his father passed away, he tried to stay strong, and made sure to be present in his daughters’ lives. TJ and his sister had a bond like no other. “I love my son. And nothing would ever change that,” she adds.

According to Sararecia, Tim and his sister, Teioyannah Page, were very close. And she is glad that they were able to share that bond over the years. “My birthday in 2021 was the last time I saw him,” says Sararecia.

A month later, Tim passed away. However, his loving spirit lives on through the wonderful memories of him and through his decision earlier in life to be an organ donor. In fact, it didn’t take long for that act of selfless generosity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Only weeks after Tim’s passing, his cornea tissue was used to help restore Wendy Bolling’s vision through life-changing transplant surgery.

Wendy, who had struggled with her vision nearly her entire life, was able to regain her independence and was inspired to reach out through Miracles In Sight to express her gratitude for what this amazing gift had made possible for her.

While donor families can and often do choose to share stories of their loved ones, Tim’s mother was interested to know that her son’s choice to be an organ donor had been able to make a difference for someone. And with Wendy eager to get in touch, Sararecia and Teioyannah agreed to talk with her.

Tim’s family and met Wendy (along with her mother) in October 2023, nearly two years after he passed away and made the gift that restored Wendy’s sight. The group shared lunch at a popular restaurant in Burlington, NC, enjoying a beautiful afternoon together and forming a special relationship that Wendy and Sararecia intend on nurturing for years to come.

“The morning before we met, I was a nervous wreck,” says Wendy. “But it was like we had known them for years. They are wonderful people. I can never thank them enough.”

“To say that it was a blessing would be an understatement,” says Sararecia. Our family would like to thank Miracles In Sight for standing by us and guiding us through this difficult transition. May God forever bless you.

If you want to read more about Wendy’s experience as a transplant recipient, you can find her story in Part 1 here.

My son Jared Butler was killed in a motorcycle accident on November 14. We donated all his organs (eyes skin and tissue) to those who needed them. Jared was always helping other people no matter how small or big the problem was. His friends called him the Rebel. He loved riding motorcycles, riding horses, playing disc golf, and being around those he loved. He had one daughter whom he loved her dearly. He had an older brother. He loved his mother, She was always there for him. We bless the person who receives sight and his organs. Jared was loved by so many.

My mom passed away on 12/2/2023 and she donated her eyes to your organization. I just wanted to share some things about her. She was 67 years old from Blythewood SC. My mom was so very tough. She was the CEO of our entire family. She had 2 children, me and my brother. But she raised my 2 cousins and was raising my oldest nephew.  Mom went on disability in 2008 due to her declining eyesight. She worked food service for years and really loved people. She was one of the most social and caring people on this side of heaven. She had diabetic retinopathy and so desperately wanted to regain her vision. I pray that her donation is able to help advance science or another persons life that is dealing with blindness. She was the best mom and example of a woman. I miss her so much. Thank you for letting me share some things about her.

Born in Curepipe, Mauritius (Africa) on March 12, 2005, Sawyer Lee Updike graced the world with his presence until January 16, 2024. A proud graduate of Dawson High School, Class of 2023, Sawyer was a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering.

Standing tall at 6’6″, Sawyer radiated warmth beyond his height, epitomized by his infectious smile. His family and friends cherished the moments he shared laughter and found solace in the unspoken thoughts reflected in his expressive face.

A standout in the realm of sports, Sawyer proudly wore the number 85 as an award-winning football player for the Dawson Eagles. His athletic prowess extended to baseball, golf, and a passion for bass fishing with the Dawson Anglers. He excelled not only as a player for Dawson High School but also dedicated additional time to club baseball with the Dad’s Club in Pearland.

Sawyer‘s interests went beyond sports. He was a proud Boy Scout, embodying the values of scouting. Additionally, from elementary school into high school, he played the tuba in the school band. Despite his occasional sideline nap during high school marching band practice, Sawyer always found the right note when it mattered.

Sawyer embraced campus life, becoming an active participant in the Texas Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Texas. He showcased his skills on the intramural football team and as a member of the University of Texas Trap and Skeet Competition Team.

Sawyer‘s passions spanned the thrill of the hunt to the serene art of fishing. As a true outdoorsman, he found joy in cooking the spoils of his expeditions, sharing culinary creations with those around him.

Although not a man of many words, Sawyer‘s actions, and above all, his unforgettable smile, resonated deeply. He was a beloved soul, touching the hearts of all fortunate enough to know him.

Sawyer Lee Updike leaves behind a legacy of cherished friends and family – especially his 100 year old great-grandmother, Wilma Roberts, grandparents Thomas (Dick) Roberts, Kathy Roberts, Lynda Updike, his brother Michael (Hart) Updike, and parents Sheri Roberts-Updike and Lee (LJ) Updike, all who love and miss him dearly.