Danny and I were a senior couple that were married in January 2024. We had known each other for many many years and had many mutual friends. So, we were no strangers to each other.
Just before we married, Danny began to have problems remembering people’s names, names of towns, etc. Doctors initially thought it was due to a combination of medicines that he had been taking and that it would soon go away with the discontinuance of the medications.
But, in February 2024, when symptoms were not getting better, a MRI revealed Danny had a glioblastoma — an incurable brain tumor, cancer. We were told that the best option was for brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, radiation, and then chemo. At best he would only survive 12-18 months. Needless to say, we were devastated.
Being newly weds, there were many “business” items that needed to be talked about in a relatively short period of time. Unfortunately, organ donation was not one of the items that we were able to discuss before Danny’s death.
Danny was a kind and generous person. He was always helping someone in whatever way he could. He was devoted to his savior and read his Bible every day until this horrible cancer took over. Of all the things that he endured from his cancer, not being able to read was the hardest for him.
When I was contacted by Network for Hope to see if I would be interested in donating Danny’s corneas, I knew right away that was what Danny would want — if his corneas could be used to help someone else to see, to read, then he would be 100% in favor of the donation. So, that was the decision that was made, to agree to the donation without hesitation.
I would encourage others to consider the wishes of their loved ones in making the life of a recipient richer for their donation. Danny would be so pleased to have helped someone else in this unselfish and kind way. I have never regretted the decision and hope that one day I will be able to donate to someone as well.
– Susan Kilgore, Danny’s wife
