Patrick Miller

Donor Hero

“I had honestly never even thought about organ donation until I made the decision to donate my son’s organs,” shared donor mom, Sandy.  

“My son Patrick was only two and a half years old when he died suddenly. He had just begun to say a few sentences, and he smiled constantly. People always commented on his curly hair. Even though I will never recover from the great loss of losing my son, I try to move forward and help others through educating about organ, eye and tissue donation.  

Organ donation has saved my life, not even as a recipient. I have realized that donating Patrick’s organs was for me as much as, or maybe even more than, for his recipients. Without donation, I wouldn’t be able to tell his story, speak his name and have people in so many communities know about him.  

I have made lifelong friends within the transplant community and count them all as blessings in my life. We Are Sharing Hope SC has helped me navigate my grief and has become my friend as I go through other trials, although none as devastating as the loss of Patrick, in my life.  

I think that education is the key to eradicating the waitlist. Now that I know about the waitlist, the suffering of the people waiting for a transplant, and the prayers of the families and friends of those on the list, I couldn’t imagine taking my organs with me when I will no longer need them. I hope that by spreading my and Patrick’s story, I can help with that even just a little bit.”