In March 2023, a car accident claimed the lives of 5-month-old Jayden Lackey, his mom Cali, and his dad Toby. Despite their devastating loss, the family's legacy lives on through his grandparents' decision to donate the baby's organs.
“Jayden was able to be a heart, kidney and liver donor,” said Ginger Minor, Cali’s mom and Jayden’s grandmother. “Losing my daughter and grandson has been a tough journey, but knowing Jayden helped others gives me and my family strength.”
The Lackey-Minor family exemplifies the selfless act of organ donation, providing hope and healing to those awaiting life-saving transplants. To honor these "donor heroes," Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt will recognize the past year's donors during Donate Life Month. In 2024, 71 donor heroes, including 9 pediatric donor heroes, made this extraordinary contribution. VUMC will host a special Donate Life ceremony on April 30 to recognize these donors, recipients and their families.
In addition, Vanderbilt Health Regional Hospitals, together with Tennessee Donor Services, are hosting Donate Life Flag Raising events throughout April to build awareness. At Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital’s event, hospital staff and Donate Life advocates heard Danielle Prince share the story of her daughter, Kayla, who saved lives as a 19-year-old donor hero. These flag-raising ceremonies serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of organ donation.
Two ways you and your employees can help the cause:
1. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeTN.org. Then spread the word about how easy it is to sign up.
2. Purchase a 2025 Donate Life T-shirt. Shirts are available in the Vanderbilt University Hospital Gift Shop. The gift shop is located at 1211 Medical Center Drive, on the second floor of the hospital, overlooking the main lobby.
