Two women want to spread the word in support of organ donation
BY Jane Donahue Sun-Times Media

Penny Bady’s son, Maurice Brown Jr., was shot to death near their Chicago home on his birthday, Dec. 12, 2003.

So, instead of gifts for the 15-year-old, Bady gave the gift of life to Alecia McClung of Naperville, who received a kidney transplant after Bady decided to donate her son’s organs.

Now the two share a unique bond — and a mission. Together, they share their story to raise awareness for organ and tissue registration in Illinois. Their faces will be all around the state on posters declaring that mission.

“Many people die [while] waiting for an organ transplant; I am one of the fortunate ones,” McClung said. “And after going through such a tragedy, Penny is such a gracious and happy person who has such a generous heart.”

McClung, 41, had been on a kidney transplant waiting list for more than four years.

“We got the call on Dec. 14 [2003] from Northwestern — they had a kidney for me,” McClung said.

“Alecia is the first and only recipient I have ever met — we call each other ‘soul sisters,’ ” Bady said.

“To see how this has helped her — and meet her family — it’s a wonderful thing. They are my extended family now.”