Odilia Perez

Donor Hero

“My mother, Odilia Perez, was born in Mexico in 1973 and came to the United States in search of a better life,” shared Susana, the daughter of donor hero Odilia.  

“Odilia was a beacon of positivity, always cherishing life and the blessings it brought. She was a devoted mother and a loving grandmother, delighting her grandchildren with her humor and their favorite dishes. Each morning, she brewed a pot of coffee, eagerly awaiting my awakening so we could enjoy our first cup together. Her caring nature and thoughtfulness were evident in every action she took. As a devout Catholic, she believed in the power of good deeds and strived to spread kindness wherever she went.  

My mother was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and schizophrenia when she was 17. Despite these challenges, she was a strong woman who raised four children by herself after our father passed away. Throughout my life, even with medication, she experienced several mental health crises, which she worked hard to recover from. After my sister passed away, my mother struggled to cope with the pain of her loss and took her own life in January 2024.  

The decision for my mother to be an organ donor was easy for me. I knew she wanted to be an organ donor because I remembered our conversation on the day I got my driver’s license. When I registered as an organ donor, I asked her opinion. She told me she was so proud of me and would want the same thing if anything were to happen to her. 

I encourage everyone I meet to register as organ donors. I proudly tell my children that their grandmother was an organ donor, and because of that, her legacy will be passed down from generation to generation.”