In March 2010, Shannon Lennox was in the car with her 21-year-old son, Roy, when she mentioned that she’d been a registered organ donor since she received her first driver’s license. During their conversation, Roy shared that if anything ever happened to him, he didn’t care what she did with his organs. Little did Shannon know that just two weeks later she’d be faced with that exact decision.
“Roy was a kind, giving person,” shared Shannon. “He cared about his family, his friends, and standing up for the underdog. He had a gypsy soul and it made sense to me that he’d want to share his organs to help others. I said yes, and Roy was able to donate five organs to four people.”
In addition to saving lives, Roy’s legacy is the impact his donation has had on his family and friends. Following his organ donation, everyone in his circle registered to be a donor and has been inspired to spread the word about the gifts of life he shared to encourage others to register as a donor, too.
Less than a year after Roy’s donation, his family met his heart recipient, Michael. “We’re very close to Michael and his family,” shared Shannon. “Knowing that Michael is now able to watch his grandchildren grow up, travel with his wife and family, and share special moments together is the greatest gift to our family and our healing.”
Shannon hasn’t met Roy’s other recipients yet, and while she’s open to meeting them, she’s ok not knowing who else Roy saved with his donation. “A gift is a gift. There’s no greater love than one who gives himself to a stranger. Donation is the beauty out of the ashes for us.”
“Knowing Roy was able to help others after his death has brought me peace. Donation is the beauty out of the ashes for us.”
-Shannon Lennox, Donor Mom
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