Hope

The following is a reproduced letter that was sent to Gretha Hexum shortly after Jon-Erik’s death:

Northern California Transplant Bank At Pacific Medical Center

October 24, 1984

Dear Mrs. Hexum:

On behalf of the entire transplant community, I wish to extend our condolences to your upon the tragic loss of your son, Jon-Erik. We are also extremely grateful to you and your son, Gunnar, for considering others during this very sad time.

Your incredible gift has touched the lives of many, many individuals. As a result of your kindness and generosity, a 37 year old man successfully received a heart transplant. One of the kidney recipients was a five year old boy who was also critically ill: physicians estimated that he would only have a few more months of life remaining if he continued to require the support of the artificial kidney machine. The other recipient was a 43 year old woman, mother to three and grandmother to three; this lady has waited for eight years for a kidney that was a closely matched as your son’s kidney was.

Both corneas were also successfully transplanted; one cornea was used for a patient with an injury that required immediate transplantation. Had a cornea not been available, this patient would have lost entire sight of that eye. The other recipient had waited four months for the opportunity to regain his vision. Finally, skin that was donated was used today to treat a 3 1/2 year old boy with third degree burns.

Through this gesture you and your family have made, several lives were saved while other patients were restored to a normal life. Although nothing can mitigate the tragedy of your son’s death, your gift of life and sight will encourage many families to also think of donation. We only hope that this legacy of humanitarianism will comfort you during this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we may be of assistance.

Most Sincerely,

Phyllis Weber Program Director

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