14th annual Green Chair Donate Life Sit-in highlights importance of organ donation | #11Together
WTOL 11 and Life Connection of Ohio partnered for the 14th annual 24-hour Green Chair Donate Life Sit-in April 16-17 to mark National Donate Life Month.
Did you know you have the power to save eight lives? If you have never thought of yourself as a hero, maybe now is the time to start.
WTOL 11 and Life Connection of Ohio, the non-profit organization that serves families and saves lives in northwest and west central Ohio, are partnering to host the 14th annual Donate Life Sit-in. The event began at 9 a.m., April 16 and lasts for 24 hours until 9 a.m., April 17.
Each year, this marathon event takes place at WTOL 11, where transplant recipients, donor hero family members and those who support the cause rotate in and out of Life Connection of Ohio’s Green Chair. You can watch the livestream above or on the WTOL 11 YouTube channel. Please note: the livestream does not have audio. Interviews are included later in this story.
WTOL 11 will air live interviews with transplant recipients and donor hero family members. Those not participating through live interviews are encouraged to snap a picture of themselves in their favorite chair and share it on social media using #virtualdonatelifesitin and #takeaseattotakeastand.
Nearly 110,000 people in the United States are awaiting life-saving transplants right now. More than 2,500 of them are Ohioans.
The organ shortage continues to grow at a staggering rate, as another person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes. Sadly, 20 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant.
The good news is that one person has the power to save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal 125 more through tissue donation.
For more information on how you can become an organ donor, visit the Life Connection website.
Who is in the chair? Meet the recipients, donor heroes and their loved ones
The Green Chair’s meaning is two-fold. When it is empty, the Green Chair represents overwhelming sadness from the loss of someone who died waiting for a transplant.
But when someone is sitting in the Green Chair, it showcases a transplant recipient’s second chance at life. The tagline of the Green Chair Campaign is “Don’t let another chair go empty” because encouraging more people to register as organ donors means there will be fewer empty chairs.
The Donate Life Sit-in will make that tagline a reality.
Meet the recipients, donor heroes and their families who will be sitting in the chair and sharing their stories April 16-17:
Ali Held Herman’s zest for life was contagious. Her husband, Jeremy, and their three children felt lucky to experience that energy every day. Ali provided daycare from her home, which was filled with games, dancing, love and lessons.
One of those lessons in care and compassion came when the children found a nest of baby bunnies in the backyard. Ali showed them how to fill syringes with goat’s milk and feed the baby bunnies to help them grow. Ali had a knack for interior design, and she enjoyed running, biking and spending time outdoors.
Tragically, on March 26, 2021, 35-year-old Ali passed away. In a final lesson of love, Ali gave the gift of life through organ donation.
In 2023, Ali’s family was able to truly understand what that gift meant when they met Ali’s heart recipient, Beth.
Pre-transplant, Beth could not walk and had difficulty breathing, but after her transplant, everything changed for the better. Seeing the incredible impact Ali had on Beth’s life – and having the opportunity to listen to her heartbeat – is something that provided comfort, healing and peace for Ali’s family.
“To witness the improvement that an organ donor can give to a recipient is incredible. It is truly giving the gift of life. Beth is a very compassionate, kind and caring individual. She is part of our family forever,” Loren said.
Ali’s family continues to remember her through the annual Ali Held Herman Memorial Run/Walk, and this year’s event is set for Saturday, July 20.
Rewind to July 2, 1999. It was a 100-degree blisteringly hot day in Toledo, but Kandy was shivering under a blanket. Kandy was rushed to the hospital, where she learned that she had zero kidney function.
“The doctor said I showed up to the emergency room at the very end,” Kandy said.
Kandy was diagnosed with end-stage IgA nephropathy, and she began her new normal – sitting in a dialysis chair four days a week for four hours each time. After one year, three months and six days on dialysis, Kandy received a life-saving kidney transplant on October 9, 2000, the day before her 34th birthday.
Kandy returned home four days after her transplant, and she has never looked back. The best part of the past almost-24 years for Kandy has been resuming an active lifestyle, including camping, hiking, biking and kayaking, and spending time with her son.
“Our life is full and very busy. I’m so thankful for the gift of life. It allowed me to go back and be a mom and be here to watch my son grow up,” Kandy said.
The only thing Kandy knows about her donor hero is that he was a generous man from Maryland. She wrote a letter to her donor family, which she said was the hardest letter she had ever written.
“The biggest thing you’re saying is ‘thank you’, but how do you thank someone for giving you your life back?” Kandy said.
Kandy is thankful for every single day.
Donovon Jacobs was all about family. The 27-year-old with the tough exterior was a softie when it came to his niece and nephews. His days were filled with reading, dancing, potty-training, hugging and protecting those little ones. He enjoyed playing basketball, cooking perfect pancakes, writing rap poems and making people laugh.
Sadly, on June 3, 2010, Donovon passed away. But his loving, giving spirit continued when he gave the gift of life through organ donation.
"Organ donation was a way for me to hold on and not have to completely let go of my son," Andrea said. "You don’t go through nine months of carrying a child and give it away that easily. Donovon achieved something greater than what I did in giving him life, and that makes me feel good."
Andrea met Pete, one of Donovon’s kidney transplant recipients, and she was in awe that he was alive and standing before her all because of her son’s generosity. Knowing that Donovon’s last act was giving the gift of life is something that brings Andrea comfort.
“Usually with a donation, you don’t expect anything in return. Not so with Life Connection of Ohio!" Andrea said. "To show their gratitude, they allow the memory of your loved one to never die. They embrace each word of your loved one’s story and share it with others. They will turn the most difficult moment into a new chapter – when you’re ready to step into it."
Michael Keith enjoyed biking, walking, softball, fishing, crabbing, cruising and singing. He had a unique ability to make people feel like they had been friends for years even if they had only just met. He was always quick to share a smile or start a conversation, and he loved people.
Michael Keith served as a police officer for 25 years, and even in his death on April 15, 2016, he still found a way to serve – by giving the gift of life through organ donation.
“We get home, and there’s one less person in the house. We were struggling. I went through a period of time where I was really mad that my dad died, and I felt like there was nothing to celebrate," Kevin said. "But then we got involved with Life Connection of Ohio and realized the good things that came from organ donation. We felt welcomed and understood and cared for. We could really feel the love, and that was big for us."
For Pam, Michael Keith’s gift of organ donation provided a sense of peace in the wake of a tragedy. “Knowing that he was able to save lives gave me something positive to hold onto – finding something good that could come from something so negative,” Pam said.
An unexpected plot twist: Michael Keith’s life-saving legacy led Kevin down a new career path. For the past two years, Kevin has served as Life Connection of Ohio’s Community Education Coordinator.
“Organ donation provided healing to an open wound and allowed us to move forward and be proud of my dad and what he did," Kevin said. "He is the reason why I do the work that I do now – encouraging others to consider becoming donors."
Baby Emmalyn was in a battle with congenital heart disease. She endured countless surgeries and hospital stays, and the only hope for her to survive was a heart transplant.
After waiting for 303 days, 2-year-old Emmalyn received a life-saving heart transplant on April 22, 2021. Now, 5-year-old Emmalyn is a happy, healthy kindergartener who loves to play, sing and dance.
“We've dreamed of the day Emmalyn would go to kindergarten ever since she was born," Nicole said. "Finally watching it become a reality, after one point questioning if we would ever get that chance, has been indescribable. This wouldn't be possible without her donor and their family for giving us the most amazing gift – the gift of time."
Emmalyn is thriving, and her family is grateful that she has the chance to be a normal kid.
“The numerous memories, adventures, laughs, hugs and normal childhood things we've been able to do and make are all because of one child’s family that said ‘yes’ to organ donation during the darkest time of their lives," Nicole said.
"There was a time where we didn't know if we would have the chance to do any of the things we’ve done over the past three years since her transplant, let alone if she would survive," Nicole said. "But here she is, thriving and loving life! We hope that her story, her journey, will show others what it means to become an organ donor. We also hope that her donor family knows that we think of them every day, we thank them with everything we have, and that her donor will be with all of us – but especially Emmalyn – always."
Stone embodied compassion, kindness and love. He was not afraid to stand up for others, and he was determined from a young age to be the best version of himself.
A devoted Ohio State football fan, Stone followed the team on and off the field. He enjoyed sharing highlights of game plays but even more so when players did something special for others. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his family and watching the Buckeyes.
Stone played baseball, basketball, lacrosse and football, and he planned to live near the water where he could enjoy the beach and bask in the sunshine.
Tragically, those dreams were cut short on March 7, 2021, when 20-year-old Stone passed away.
Cory and Shari said their son always had a caring heart, so they were not surprised to learn that he was a registered organ donor.
Although they never expected that decision to become a reality so soon, they are proud of the immense impact of Stone’s generosity.
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"In the most profound time of our grief, we felt a sense of comfort because Stone was an organ donor. It was a way to honor his memory, and we know that part of him lives on and contributes to giving others a second chance at life," Shari said.
Meeting two of Stone’s recipients is something his family will never forget.
"Stone is a hero because he gave the gift of life to others," Shari said. "Organ donation allowed us to make sense of an otherwise senseless loss."
Biliary atresia made Allie a very sick baby. Her life was consumed with countless medications, injections and feeding tubes. Her skin and the whites of her eyes were extremely jaundiced. She had a huge, distended abdomen with tiny extremities – at 2 years old, she weighed only 15 pounds. Allie slept up to 20 hours a day because her energy was nonexistent. She was in desperate need of a liver transplant.
After one year and nine months on the waiting list, Allie received a life-saving liver transplant on Jan. 21, 2006.
Fast forward, and Allie’s energy supply is seemingly endless. One of Allie’s many talents is rodeo – barrel racing and pole bending. Allie also showcases her athleticism at the Donate Life Transplant Games of America, a biennial Olympic-style competition for transplant recipients, where she has earned more than 30 medals.
Allie is grateful for the gift she received.
“It’s unbelievable to see how sick I was back then and how healthy I am today," Allie said. "Without organ donation, I would not be here. I am living proof of what organ donation can do."
Jenny is amazed at Allie’s resilience and determination to truly live each day to the fullest. She is also happy to be a part of Life Connection of Ohio’s volunteer family.
“To join a group that nobody desires to join, but once you’re in, you have no desire to leave… that’s the Life Connection of Ohio family," Jenny said. "We have made so many connections with donor families and other recipients. We have been surrounded in love and true understanding of the emotional roller coaster on both sides of transplant, and continued hope for our daughter’s future."
Doctors gave Kara’s father, Harvey J. Steele, one week to live. He was in end-stage liver disease, and his only hope for survival was a liver transplant.
On Nov. 5, 1997, Harvey received the liver transplant that he so desperately needed. A few weeks after his transplant, Harvey returned home and started making the most of his second chance at life.
He immediately began volunteering for Life Connection of Ohio, where Kara currently serves as Director of Community Services. He never said “no” to any opportunity to help others or to be the voice for charitable organizations because he was so grateful someone said “yes” and saved his life.
Sadly, Harvey died on Dec. 28, 2017.
He did so much good in his 60 years of life, but the legacy he left from his last 20 years – all made possible because of organ donation – is unmatched. He was a tireless advocate for organ donation, and he used his platform on K-100’s Shores & Steele to promote that life-saving message.
Harvey broadcasted live from the Green Chair at several Donate Life Sit-ins at WTOL 11, so Kara is taking a seat in his honor and sharing his story during the live interview time slot that he filled so many times before.
“My dad was gifted 20 additional years of life because someone said ‘yes’ to organ donation, so I blame him for my career in the best possible way," Kara said. "I am forever grateful for the donor hero and his family who allowed me to have those extra years with my dad."
Rick’s 20-year battle with diabetes took a toll on his kidneys and pancreas. He endured dialysis for more than a year and a half, and he was in desperate need of a kidney/pancreas transplant.
On the afternoon of May 20, 2013, Rick was walking into his house carrying his wife’s birthday cake for the next day when he got a phone call that would change his life forever. That day, he received a life-saving kidney/pancreas transplant.
Rick immediately noticed a difference in the way he felt, and he has not looked back. He gained the energy he needed to lose weight, his vision was restored, his diabetic neuropathy disappeared and he was able to return to work. His transplant allowed him to meet his grandchildren and be an active part of their lives.
Rick had the opportunity to meet his donor family, including his donor’s sister, whom he texts daily.
“My life has really flourished," Rick said. "I am very grateful, and I try to live my life in honor of my donor hero, Scott. If he didn’t register to become a donor, then I know I wouldn’t be here today."
Steven was a hardworking carpenter who enjoyed collecting classic cars, making a mess in the kitchen while cooking, being outdoors and spending time with his family. He truly lit up the room, could bring a smile to anyone’s face and was passionate about helping those in need.
Sadly, on Jan. 22, 2023, 46-year-old Steven passed away. But his light continued to shine through his gift of organ donation.
“His donation has meant so much to us," Marina said. "The last gift he could give was to his recipients and their families to continue smiling and laughing as he always was in his life. It has brought us comfort knowing his gift of donation has given new life to others."
Sharing her father’s life-saving legacy through volunteering with Life Connection of Ohio has become a passion for Marina.
“Volunteering has brought me a sense of gratitude and peace to deal with the loss of my father," Marina said. "Being able to raise awareness about organ donation has helped me honor my father and his wish to be an organ donor."
While Todd is not a donor family member or a transplant recipient, he serves families and saves lives through organ donation in his daily work. As Life Connection of Ohio’s Manager of Recovery Services, Todd oversees the dedicated professionals responsible for facilitating the gift of life.
For more than 30 years, Todd served as a respiratory therapist, but when he joined the team at Life Connection of Ohio in 2020, his service went up a notch.
“Working for Life Connection of Ohio allows me to continue to serve others, but in a much more profound manner," Todd said. "I am blessed to be a part of the process that provides the gift of life-saving organs for those in need. This is my 'If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life' kind of job."
Brook, an outgoing Bowling Green High School senior, had countless friends and possessed a unique ability of making everyone feel comfortable around her. She played softball and tutored her older brother in math.
One night, Brook wanted to go to a friend’s house for a bonfire, but Dave told her she could not go because it was too late and too far. The next day, he went to talk to Brook about it, and she said with her palm in the air, “Dad, the discussion is over. I’m done.” Dave was not surprised by that response because he said Brook always had to have the last word.
Tragically, on Aug. 22, 2008, Brook passed away.
But in true Brook fashion, she had the last word. That day, she gave the gift of life through organ donation.
Jean remembered a conversation she had with Brook when Jean renewed her driver’s license a few months earlier.
“I said ‘no’ to organ donation, and she said she wanted to be a donor. She asked me why I wouldn’t want to be a donor if it could help someone else out. That stuck in my head and made the decision to donate a lot easier for me," Jean said. "I’m grateful we had that conversation."
When Dave and Jean met Jim, Brook’s kidney recipient, they understood the magnitude of that decision.
Organ donation became even more personal when Jean’s father, Charlie, received a life-saving kidney transplant on July 1, 2010, which gave him nearly 10 years of additional life.
Dave and Jean are grateful that their daughter’s generosity lives on.
“Organ donation gives us something positive to lean on when times get rough," Jean said. "Brook touched a lot of people."
14th annual Donate Life Sit-in photo gallery All of this year's participants
In addition to the Donate Life Sit-in streaming live on WTOL 11's website and our WTOL 11 YouTube channel, you can also check out who is in the chair in our photo booth at this link or in the gallery below.
PHOTOS: Green Chair Donate Life Sit-in 2024
Watch our complete coverage of the 14th annual Green Chair Donate Life Sit-in on the WTOL 11 YouTube channel at this link.