Friend saves friend

Jeremy Rose and Rob Parkinson were connected many years ago by a family friendship. They had no idea that one day that connection would become even more close and personal. When Jeremy was fatally injured in a construction accident in Hawaii, he ended Rob's 16-year long battle with liver disease. Jeremy gave Rob a "second chance" and his life back.

Jeremy's wife, Kristene, was shopping at WalMart when she got the call informing her of Jeremy's accident. She rushed to Hawaii to be with him, but the doctor's informed her that there was no chance of Jeremy ever waking up. Even though she was grieving, she thought of Rob knowing that Jeremy was a perfect match for him and possibly his only hope. Five of Rob's family members had been tested to see if they were matches as living donors for Rob, but none of them were.

Rob was taken into surgery on January 24, 2010 for his liver transplant in which he received his friend Jeremy's liver. Giving Rob the gift of life amounted to Jeremy's last act changing both the Parkinsons' and the Roses' lives forever. Both families say the experience has brought them closer to God and is nothing short of a miracle. In regards to why people should register to be organ and tissue donors, Rob says, "Sign up to donate, just because it changes lives. My life is different. My wife's life is different because she has a husband, and my children's lives are different because they have a dad."

I can't say it any better or any simpler than that. Rob hit the nail on the head.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 (KJV) 

Source : deseretnews.com article titled Organ Donation Brings Families Closer Together, Closer to God