Message of organ and tissue donation is important to share

NOLA | Sheila Stroup

Even now, more than two years later, it is difficult for John McCusker to talk about his wife’s death. Johanna Schindler, who died of complications from a brain aneurysm, was his partner for 25 years, the mother of his three children, the center of his world.

“I have all this information that’s helpful, but, even today, at something so wonderful and uplifting, it churns up everything again,” he said.

McCusker, a Times-Picayune photographer, shared his story Thursday morning, shortly after he met Myron Swan of Monroe, the recipient of his wife’s right kidney. She was also able to save others with her liver, both lungs and her left kidney.

“Johanna’s Christian faith told her life comes from death,” McCusker said. “This was a perfect expression of her faith.”

McCusker and Swan were part of a celebration at Tulane University Medical Center honoring the generosity of organ and tissue donors and recognizing recipients during National Donate Life month. Before the ceremony, Swan and his wife, Stacey, sat down with McCusker to talk.
Read more: http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2012/04/message_of_organ_and_tissue_do.html