These are the stories of lives transformed through the heart-warming generosity of organ and tissue donation.
“By saying ‘yes,’ many people were given a new life.”
Norma O’Shea was a fun, bright woman who had a lust for life. She was the kind of person who cared about others. During her lifetime, Norma took her commitment to the well-being of others one step further. She wanted to extend her giving nature even after her death by registering to be an organ and tissue donor.
To Norma, being an organ and tissue donor was a simple matter of fact. She signed the donor and tissue donation form when she received it. Then she spoke openly with her family about her desire to be a donor, so when the unexpected – the unimaginable – happened, her family knew precisely what to do.
Her husband Pat and daughter Katelyn are a testament to a remarkable woman’s capacity for caring. They fulfilled her wishes and, as a result, many people have received a legacy of life from Norma O’Shea.
Pat and Katelyn are proud of her decision and were equally proud of the part they played in seeing that her wishes were honoured.
“Even through our grief, we knew in that moment we could have a life-altering affect on others. We also knew it was what she wanted. By saying ‘yes,’ other people were given a new life. It’s an amazing gift!”
Pat and Katelyn O’Shea, West Bay, Nova Scotia
