Bella passed away suddenly at the age of 12, doing what she loved most, dancing. While she was on this Earth for a short time, her impact will be felt for lifetimes to come. Bella’s family graciously donated her corneas, giving the gift of sight to an educator. The two families have exchanged letters. “Her story was far from over. It was the beginning of a beautiful encore,” her mother Amanda says. She called it an easy decision to donate because of Bella’s giving spirit. She “shared light wherever she went.” Amanda and her family hold a dance fundraiser in Bella’s memory and tested her brother Xavier, learning he, like Bella, had a rare heart condition. Bella’s family participates in the Donor Dash each year, walking in her memory and volunteer with Gift of Life and AltruVision to increase organ donation awareness. Amanda notes, “Through Bella I have to come to understand how giving the gift of life is, not just for the recipients but for the donor families who get to see their loved one’s light live on.” Thank you to Amanda for sharing Bella’s story during our May staff meeting. Honor Bella’s gifts when you sign up to become an organ donor at donors1.org/register (fb)

The NFL has voted, and our world champion Philadelphia Eagles will get to keep the “Tush Push” in their repertoire. At Gift of Life, we know the value of relentless dedication as we continue OUR PUSH to end the transplant waitlist. Nearly 5,000 of our family, friends and neighbors in our region need the precious gift of a healthy organ to survive. Let’s show them we care. Help Gift of Life create a future of hope and sign up to become an organ donor at donors1.org today. You’ll be someone’s champion! (fb)