Giving Life, Spreading Hope | Story of a 4-Year-Old Real-Life Hero | by Madison Loreli | Inspiring Story #199

I never thought that I could lose my son in the time it took to go to a doctor's appointment and return home. I was the one who found him lying there without a heartbeat. I performed CPR to get his heart beating again.

Never did I imagine that four days later, my son would be pronounced dead.

Life is absolutely way too short, and you never know what tomorrow can bring. I was just 24 years old, sick with grief, trying to process the news. My son was gone. I barely could believe it. Now, a lady from Trillium sat beside me, presenting me with a huge decision to make. 

“I would like to talk to you about something, and that is organ donation. Today, Waylon has the opportunity to save and transform the lives of several children.”

I’d never thought of organ donation until that moment. I was scared of making the wrong choice. Many people have strong opinions about organ donation. I respect everybody’s decisions and choices, no matter the outcome. And I’ll admit I did have fears about donating Waylon’s organs.

What if the surgeries didn’t work, and it was all for nothing? What if they took Waylon’s organs, and they weren’t transplanted?

It was one of the most difficult decisions to make, a decision I had to make quickly. I pictured the precious lives Waylon might save. This was an opportunity for him to give the gift of life to other children. I thought, if I could help even one other parent watch their child grow up, then the answer is ‘yes.’

Waylon donated his small bowel to a little girl aged nine. His liver went to a boy under two. His heart is still beating and saved a baby under one year old. All three children who received his organs are doing amazing right now. His soul lives on through the three children he saved. And I was blessed to connect with one of the families whose little girl received a transplant.

Being aware of the light of hope Waylon’s gift of life has given other children and families, I discovered a newfound purpose. 

Discovering Newfound Purpose

I became super involved with Oregon donation and Oregon donor awareness. I am dedicated to inspiring and educating others about organ donation.

Waylon loved windmills, so as a way to spread awareness and honor my son, I created a Facebook page called Windmills for Waylon Sam. I set a goal to register a thousand donors, knowing that each pledge held the power to transform lives, much like Waylon had done.

In doing this work to honor Waylon’s memory, I have found some comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on through the lives he has touched. While navigating the darkest depths of my soul, a tiny light has shone, knowing his soul has saved lives. I get to watch my son live on, which makes me happy about the decision I made. Waylon died a real-life hero.

And my message for you:

Hold your loved ones tight because nobody is guaranteed tomorrow.

Always give people the recognition they deserve. If there are things you strongly believe in and want to encourage or educate other people on, whatever it may be, then do it. If you can help another person, or if you have the opportunity to give the gift of life. Then please do.

 Together, we can help and inspire others with our gift of life.