Today you will have the privilege of learning about a very special lady, Shirley Harney. She has graciously shared her story about the loss of her son Brandon. I can't imagine that a mother ever truly recovers from such a devastating blow but she has truly created good out of her grief. We will share more about this incredible lady's story on December 12. We are truly honored to share a bit about her story.
Shirley Harney Taylor’s Story About the Life-Changing Impact of Organ Donation and a Reminder That Life Can Change Forever For Many With the Crash of a Bike
It’s been 11 years since Shirley Harney Taylor’s 16-year-old son Brandon died suddenly in a bicycle accident. She started July 31, 2000, as a professional woman and mom. The next day she was mourning the loss of Brandon. In the fog of that day, when Taylor had to deal with such a loss, she made a life affirming decision that has carried her through the past 11 years. She agreed to donate Brandon’s organs and tissues – priceless gifts that have given life and quality of life to 52 others.
“I have been blessed that partt of my journey over the last 11 years has included LifeCenter Northwest. The dedication they have to making sure these critical gifts of life and of supporting the donor families through the process has been truly inspiring. The impacts of these gifts given at such a difficult time are the miracles that come from our tragedy and they would not happen if it weren’t for LifeCenter,” Taylor said.
Shirley has learned some important lessons along her from loss to healing to joy. Among them:
* How to flex her receiving muscles.
* How to accept gifts of compassion, love, and service with simple gratitude.
* How to set personal boundaries, and start by learning to say "no"
* The simple steps for better self care.
Now is an especially significant time in Taylor’s life as she prepares to be honored – along with Brandon – at the Jan. 2, 2012, Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on the Donate Life's Rose Parade® Float.
Taylor will create a “floragraph” of Brandon’s face out of coffee, rice, freeze dried strawberries, and other natural materials. His image will be among 72 “floragraphs” showcased on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float to be viewed by millions of television viewers on January 2, 2012. The goal is to bring awareness to the importance of organ and tissue donation.
LifeCenter Northwest is the federally-designated organ procurement organization for Alaska, Montana, North Idaho, and Washington. Working together to save lives through organ and tissue donation.
Donate Life is a national brand for donation supported by national organizations and state teams dedicated to motivating the American public to register now as organ, eye and tissue donors. Hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life in every corner of the country are in need of life-saving and healing gifts that are possible only through organ, eye, and tissue. The Donate Life Rose Parade Float national campaign is coordinated by One Legacy, the non-profit, federally designated organ and tissue recovery agency serving the seven-country greater Los Angeles area. It is supported by more than 100 official sponsors nationwide, including organ and tissue recovery organizations, tissue banks, state donor registries, transplant centers, hospitals, funeral homes, and affiliated organizations.
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