Organ Donor Network Honors Shooting Victims Who Saved Lives
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The families of two organ donors who were killed by gun violence in Chicago were honored this morning at Stroger Hospital.
Together, 19-year old Jordan Dawson and 22-year old Eric Magana saved 10 lives through organ donations.
Dawson was shot and killed in March 2012. Magana was killed just last May.
Families of the two received "Tragedy to Triumph" awards on Thursday from the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.
Willie Martin received one of Dawson's kidneys, and said when he found out his 10-year wait for an organ was over, he was "shocked, and overwhelmed, and grateful at the same time."
Elvin Dawson, Jordan's uncle, said donating his nephew's organs wasn't easy at the time, but now he's happy about his family's decision.
"When I look at Willie, I can see Jordan, because Jordan gave him the gift of life," he said.
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Dawson said it's almost like he's Martin's uncle now.
Kevin Cmunt, president and CEO of the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, said most times, doctors at Stroger can save their patients after a tragedy and there's a good ending, but not always.
"When it doesn't, we have an opportunity to write a better ending for a tragic story," he said.
Sarina Rojas spoke of donating her son, Eric's, organs. She said he had been adamant about becoming an organ donor when he died and, although she received pushback from family, she honored her son's wishes when he was killed last year.
Dr. Jay Shannon, president and CEO of Cook County Hospital and Health Systems, said there are more than 5,000 people on organ donation waiting lists; and more than 300 of them each year die, because they do not receive the organ they need.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said she's marked down to be an organ donor, not "to inspire awe," but because "it's the right thing to do."
If you decide to become an organ donor, experts suggest discussing the matter with your family so there's no confusion when the time comes and people aren't wrestling with the question in their grief.
"Unfortunately, in (the black) community, the first thing people think about when confronted with being an organ donor is the doctors won't do everything they can to save you," Dawson said.
He said that's not true.
