I mentioned to you the other day that I am both a Pasadena girl, California that is, and an alumnus of an amazing girls school that’s motto is “Actions Not
Words.” This mantra has defined so many alumni of our school and none more than Kelly Langs.
Kelly, went to Mayfield Senior School and was told at a very young age that she needed a lung replacement, although she had never smoked. Kelly passed away a few days ago on New Years Day 2013. Last night Kelly donated her organs, a gift she had waited a lifetime for and now was able to share with others.
I am reposting Kelly’s last words via her blog here which she wrote on Dec 2, 2012, prior to her receiving her own gift of organ donation by someone else on Dec 6, 2012.
True Beauty in Organ Donation:
Organs are precious and they have the ability to keep giving. … It’s the cycle of life, and we as humans have an amazing choice to make in that hour of our end – to give the gift of life to someone next to you who needs it.
It’s not like any other gift you’ll ever have the chance to give again. It’s a onetime thing, and the most precious gift of all, one that you could very well be asking for one day yourself! We’re all human, we all function on organs and we’re all part of this cycle of life – together.
I’m on the transplant list, waiting for lungs. I’m also a registered organ donor in case there’s anything of quality and strength that can be passed on. I know my eyes are awesome, 20/20 vision! So someone will be able to see for the first time when I leave this body. That truly makes me happy and makes me feel like I’ve chosen the ultimate human gift!
You can give the gift of life too.
In honor of Kelly we have set up a way for you to become a registered organ donor. If you feel you have learned from Kelly’s journey this is something you should consider. To learn more about becoming an organ donor please click here: http://www.donatelifecalifornia.org/KellyLangs
Multiple people this very second are preparing for their journey to receive the gift of Kelly’s organ donation. They “got the call” a few hours ago and are told “we have a match for you”. They are rushing to the hospital, calling their loved ones with immense anticipation and fear, and probably updating their blogs too. Believe in yourself, Kelly would say to them, everything will be okay. Appreciate every moment.
Kelly donated her organs at 11pm PST, January 3rd. Her liver and both her kidneys will be going to three very lucky people.
During the organ transplant last night at 11pm there was a moment of silence as Kelly’s words above were read out loud in the operating room to honor Kelly’s gift and the remembrance of her life.
“Actions Not Words” Kelly.
Charity Matters.
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3 Comments
Oh Heidi, So sorry to hear this news, yet again, inspired.
Blessings, Cruz Clarisa Ru
Thank you sweet Clarisa!
HI Heidi…Thank you so much for posting this inspirational story of a most courageous woman. I didn’t know Kelly personally but have been following her blog since you first posted about her several months ago. Every post brought either tears to my eyes or an overwhelming feeling of pure gratitude and hope that she would finally get the lungs that she needed. Unfortunately, the ending is not what all of those who were rooting for her wanted but what an amazing gift she has given 3 others. I too have been struggling with medical issues over the last 2 years, and I found much strength in her courage, her upbeat attitude and her ability to be positive in light of her circumstances. She truly was an amazing person! e