Daughter’s gift of life is a blessing for her mom

Tanya Austin was a loving, sweet and giving daughter and sister. Tanya and her mother, Evonne Austin, were especially close. According to Evonne, the two were more like sisters than mother and daughter. They enjoyed talking, shopping, laughing and just spending time together. 

Tanya was 27 years old when she suffered a brain aneurysm in 2001. While Evonne initially struggled with the decision, she ultimately knew that Tanya would have wanted to be a donor. Tanya was able to donate her kidneys, lungs, liver, and heart. Evonne has not met any of Tanya’s recipients but hopes they are doing well and performing good deeds with their extended lives to help others. Evonne adds, “I would also like to thank them for letting Tanya’s life continue through them.” 

Evonne reflects, “To know that Tanya helped save lives has been such a blessing to me.” She continues, “There is nothing else you can do with your organs. Don’t take them to the grave. Leave them. Somebody is crying, somebody is begging, somebody is in need.” 

Transplant recipient becomes donation advocate

“My transplant journey began in February of 2009, when I fell to the floor during church service at Davidson College Presbyterian Church where my wife was senior pastor.” shared liver recipient, Gary.  

“EMS was called immediately, and they insisted I go to the hospital to find out the cause. After blood sampling and testing, the doctor discovered that I had a genetic liver condition known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is incurable. I would need a liver transplant, or my days would soon be over.  

After three years, 16 months of which were spent on the waitlist, I received a phone call. They said, “We think we have a match… we are waiting on confirmation from the recovery team within the next few minutes.” Upon confirmation of the match, they requested we get to the hospital immediately. My wife and I looked at each other with excitement that my chance at new life was happening.  

On January 23, after an eight-hour surgery, my transplant was complete, and I woke up. I immediately recognized that I had no pain and felt like a new man. My total stay in the hospital and rehab center was 22 days. I later found out that my donor hero was a mother of four grown sons. I was privileged to meet them eight months later.  

I knew then I wanted to make a commitment to increase the number of registered donors – my new ‘calling’. Contributing my time and energy to the goal of saving more lives through education was a no-brainer to me. I had the desire to ‘pay it forward’ and do what I could to help save more people.”  

Professor appreciates his gift

Miren Ivankovic was born in Zadar, Croatia. He came to the United States as an exchange student in New York and stayed to receive his undergraduate degree from Lander University and a Ph.D. at Clemson University. Miren was an avid runner for many years, competing in the South Carolina Grand Prix Circuit. Eventually, he developed arthritis in both hips and ultimately suffered pelvic damage in 2005. At that time, he underwent a series of bone grafts to repair the impairment. Thanks to his generous donor hero, he has continued an active lifestyle, playing tennis and running as often as he can. Miren has been a professor in the College of Business at Anderson University since 2006. He and his wife, Diana, make their home in Clemson. Miren says, “The cause of organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives. It for sure allowed my orthopedist to repair my very damaged pelvis.” “Donation is amazing. It is a true act of giving.” 

Young donor saved four lives

Eugene Kinard was a sophomore at Clinton High School who loved playing football and basketball. Known by his teachers for his kindness, loyalty, and respectful nature, Eugene left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. When he passed away in 2013 at just 17 years old, the Kinard family didn’t hesitate to say “YES” to organ donation, choosing to give the gift of life to others in need. For the Kinards, donation is deeply personal; two of their family members are currently waiting for life-saving transplants. 

Eugene saved four lives through the donation of his heart, liver, both kidneys and both lungs, and improved countless others’ lives through tissue donation. Eugene’s mother, Suzette Byrd, has already had contact with the recipient of Eugene’s lungs. He is a 37-year-old who lives in Virginia and, before his transplant, had been on oxygen since he was 19. Suzette says, “Donation is amazing. It saves lives.” 

Young athlete saved six lives

Darwin Rivera and his family moved to the United States from Honduras when he was two years old. He was the middle sibling of a close-knit family of three, and known as a loving brother and uncle. He has been described by friends and family as a carefree person with a striking personality who never met a stranger and lived each day like it was his last.  

A 2006 Berea High School graduate, Darwin was an avid sports enthusiast and talented soccer player, participating in the Latino/Spanish leagues throughout upstate South Carolina and at Spartanburg Methodist College. 

Darwin and his older brother, Antonio, discussed organ, eye and tissue donation when Darwin was at the SCDMV changing his driver’s license in 2009, both agreeing that donation is the greatest gift you can give others. 

On August 4, 2010, Darwin died at the age of 22 after a motorcycle accident. As both an organ and tissue donor, he saved six lives through organ donation and improved many more through tissue donation. Antonio says, “I find great comfort that Darwin lives on through those he saved. He has given others a second chance at life. …That’s my brother.” 

Spanish Translation

Darwin Rivera y su familia se mudaron a los Estados Unidos desde Honduras cuando él tenía dos años. Era el hermano del medio en una familia muy unida de tres hijos, y era conocido como un hermano y tío amoroso. Amigos y familiares lo describen como una persona despreocupada, con una personalidad impactante, que nunca conoció a un extraño y vivía cada día como si fuera el último. 

Se graduó del Berea High School en el 2006, Darwin fue un entusiasta de los deportes, ávido y talentoso jugador de fútbol, participando en las ligas Latinas/ Hispanas en todo el norte de Carolina del Sur y en el Colegio Metodista de Spartanburg. 

Darwin y su hermano mayor, Antonio, hablaron sobre la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos cuando Darwin fue al SCDMV a cambiar su licencia de conducir en 2009. Ambos estuvieron de acuerdo en que la donación es el regalo más grande que uno puede dar a los demás. 

El 4 de agosto de 2010, Darwin falleció como resultado de un accidente de motocicleta a los 22 años. Como donante de órganos y tejidos, salvó seis vidas a través de la donación de órganos y mejoró muchas más mediante la donación de tejidos. Antonio dice: “Me consuela profundamente saber que Darwin vive a través de aquellos a quienes salvó. Él les dio a otros una segunda oportunidad de vivir. …Ese es mi hermano.” 

More than just mother and daughter through donation

When Sandy and Clay Roberson adopted Claire in 2000, they had no idea that they would soon have a very sick baby. Claire was diagnosed with biliary atresia at four months old and they learned she would need a liver transplant. Both parents were tested, and it was determined that Sandy, being a universal donor with a blood type of O-, was a suitable donor for her daughter. Sandy donated a part of her liver to Claire in March 2001. Sandy says, “The immediate change was remarkable. And we heard her laugh for the first time ever at nine months old.” 

Today, Sandy and Claire are both living life to the fullest. Sandy, a professor and chair of Business and Accounting at Furman University, enjoys running, weightlifting, gardening and reading. Claire is a healthy 25-year-old who has been an active participant in the biennial Transplant Games of America. 

Claire understands her miracle and wants to set an example for others. She says, “It’s a chance at life. When I die, I want to become a donor.” Sandy says, “Being able to save my child’s life will always be the greatest achievement of my life.”