Dru Mayon
On the morning of September 20, 2007, the lives of Michael and Jada Mayon took a turn towards the unbelievable. Michael and Jada received a phone call from their daughter, Dru's school principal. Dru, at age ten, had collapsed while in gym class.
The course of the days events were heartbreaking to them as well as Dru's brothers, Brock and Luke. Dru suffered a "near giant" cerebral brain aneurysm. That same afternoon, Dru was pronounced brain dead.
The Mayon's were faced with the decision of Dru becoming an organ donor, through a LOPA Coordinator. Michael and Jada had discussed organ donation several times during their marriage, so the decision was a simple one. On September 21, 2007, Dru provided the wonderful gift of sight to two people and the remarkable Gift of Life to three recipients. Jada said, "Through the incredibly difficult grieving months that followed, LOPA became our extended family, keeping us informed of the status of Dru's recipients." Michael and Jada prayed for Dru's recipients and knew that she looked over them as well.
On the weekend of March 27, 2008, the family prepared for a celebration of Dru's life. It was her birthday weekend. To their pleasant surprise, a letter from Dru's kidney and pancreas recipient, Steve Record, arrived in the mail that very weekend!
After some initial contact, the families met and welcomed each other with open arms. Getting to know each other and honoring Dru's gifts brought comfort to both the Mayon's and to Steve. After he returned home, Steve sent this message to the Mayon's…
I truly enjoyed our visit. Your family is awesome. The whole family made me feel like I have known you all my life. I look forward to the next time we can get together. Until then Michael, you, Jada, Brock, Luke, and always Dru will be in my heart and prayers. I will keep all of your family in my prayers. If I can do anything to help please let me know."
Friend for life,
Steve
Michael and Jada shared the joy of meeting Steve by saying this, "Our new relationship with Steve Record has touched our lives forever. The common threads and interests of our families, as well as Steve's humility and gratefulness towards Dru's gifts, have supported our decision of being organ donors." Dru and Steve, donor and recipient, will be forever the light of our lives.
LOPA has provided the path to this light!
