Local student urges people to become organ donors
By MERISSA GREEN
NYT Regional Media Group
NYT Regional Media Group
WINTER HAVEN - Instead of handing out Valentine's Day cards this year, Sante Fe Catholic High School junior Kiersten Cash is appealing to the public to give the gift of life.
A 16-year-old resident of Winter Haven, Kiersten is on a mission to spread the word that today is national Organ Donor Day. For the past couple of months she has spoken to various groups about the subject and held a fundraiser at her Lakeland high school for a nonprofit lung transplant organization with Tampa General Hospital. She's scheduled to speak on the topic at the Winter Haven Public Library and the Knights of Columbus.
Because someone signed an organ donation card or had it designated on their driver license, Cash said her mother is alive today. More than a year ago, Lori Cash became very ill and had complications with both her lungs.
Kiersten said she watched as her mother struggled to breathe until finally she was placed on a ventilator. For the majority of her illness Lori said she was unconscious and wheelchair bound. Instead of her being the mother, Lori said her daughter bravely took on that role with the help of her parents.
"There were times (Kiersten) would sleep on my bedroom floor in case I needed something," Lori said.
Kiersten said it was difficult watching her mother's condition deteriorate. To think about that time today still brings tears to her eyes.
"It was very scary," she said. "I would have panic moments and go into the bathroom and cry."
Kiersten, who has a 4.3 grade point average, who is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and competes in dance competitions, said she stayed positive through her mother's ordeal. She also stayed focused on her normal routine of her extra-curricular activities.
Then on April 3, the family received the news that Lori would be able to have a double-lung transplant. Mother and daughter call it their Easter weekend miracle. Since then, Lori shows no signs of being sick and she no longer needs her wheelchair.
"I feel wonderful," Lori said. "I'm a new person."
After she graduates high school, Kiersten said she wants to attend the University of Florida where she plans to major in law. While there, she plans to join a campus organization that promotes organ donation.
In the meantime she wants to continue talking to organizations and churches about the importance of organ donation. Kiersten's mother said she hopes the public will take her daughter's request seriously.
For speaking engagements, e-mail Kiersten at kierstene@hotmail.com. To become an organ donor, visit
www.donatelifeflorida.org.
A 16-year-old resident of Winter Haven, Kiersten is on a mission to spread the word that today is national Organ Donor Day. For the past couple of months she has spoken to various groups about the subject and held a fundraiser at her Lakeland high school for a nonprofit lung transplant organization with Tampa General Hospital. She's scheduled to speak on the topic at the Winter Haven Public Library and the Knights of Columbus.
Because someone signed an organ donation card or had it designated on their driver license, Cash said her mother is alive today. More than a year ago, Lori Cash became very ill and had complications with both her lungs.
Kiersten said she watched as her mother struggled to breathe until finally she was placed on a ventilator. For the majority of her illness Lori said she was unconscious and wheelchair bound. Instead of her being the mother, Lori said her daughter bravely took on that role with the help of her parents.
"There were times (Kiersten) would sleep on my bedroom floor in case I needed something," Lori said.
Kiersten said it was difficult watching her mother's condition deteriorate. To think about that time today still brings tears to her eyes.
"It was very scary," she said. "I would have panic moments and go into the bathroom and cry."
Kiersten, who has a 4.3 grade point average, who is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and competes in dance competitions, said she stayed positive through her mother's ordeal. She also stayed focused on her normal routine of her extra-curricular activities.
Then on April 3, the family received the news that Lori would be able to have a double-lung transplant. Mother and daughter call it their Easter weekend miracle. Since then, Lori shows no signs of being sick and she no longer needs her wheelchair.
"I feel wonderful," Lori said. "I'm a new person."
After she graduates high school, Kiersten said she wants to attend the University of Florida where she plans to major in law. While there, she plans to join a campus organization that promotes organ donation.
In the meantime she wants to continue talking to organizations and churches about the importance of organ donation. Kiersten's mother said she hopes the public will take her daughter's request seriously.
For speaking engagements, e-mail Kiersten at kierstene@hotmail.com. To become an organ donor, visit
www.donatelifeflorida.org.
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