Man gives back after receiving the gift of life

Zanesville Times Recorder | Holly Richards

Photo: Trevor Jones | Times Recorder

ZANESVILLE -- Mark Hennessy takes pride in a wall of stacked firewood outlining one of the driveways on his property.

He heats his home with the wood, which he cut himself, something he thought he'd never be able to do again after years of health problems. Since receiving a new heart almost four years ago, the Zanesville man is determined to do more on his own, as well as whatever he can to showcase his appreciation for life.

"I just want to give back, and I enjoy telling people how organs and organ donation can save lives," he said.

Hennessy recently was recognized for logging between 20 and 39 hours of volunteer service with Lifeline of Ohio. Each year, the nonprofit organization that promotes and coordinates organ and tissue donation hosts a banquet to spotlight the work hundreds of Donate Life Ambassadors such as Hennessy do each year.

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