We as a family are very grateful to the family who made the courageous decision to donate their loved one’s organs. Because of their heroic decision our son Alex is alive today and is a lively 3-year-old boy. We were fortunate, because Alex’s wait for a life saving transplant was not a long one. Although his mother was ready and willing to donate to help our son, we received the call a few days later than a match had been found for Alex.

Today, Alex is very active and is able to go to preschool and live life as any other 3-year-old would.

My family and I didn’t understand the impact of organ and tissue donation before Alex’s transplant. In fact, we believed many of the myths that surround the donation process and had never considered registering to become organ donors until our youngest son needed a liver transplant in order to live. So now we can understand both sides – those who believe in the power of organ and tissue donation and those who still have fears. Today, I would encourage people to learn the facts about the donation process before they make a decision. I would also share my story and let everyone know that my 3 year old son would not be alive today if it was not for the heroic decision made by one family to give the greatest of gifts by passing life on.

Father of Alex Puga, Liver Recipient