In a rare meeting of strangers, Sebastiao Lourenco was introduced recently at the New York Organ Donor Network headquarters to the family of the man who gave him another chance at life.

 

Lourenco, in need of a new heart, received a transplant in March 2010 from Julio Garcia, who had died of a brain hemorrhage. Garcia’s wife, Mirtala, donated her husband’s organs, which turned into a surprising bounty for many patients awaiting other transplants.

 

On average, donors provide about three organs to recipients. But Julio Garcia’s body wound up helping at least seven patients. In addition to his heart, his pancreas, his corneas, one lung and both kidneys made their way to other people’s bodies. His liver was divided and used to save two people, including a child.

 

In addition to meeting Lourenco, Garcia and her three children were given the opportunity to meet three other recipients of her husband’s organs (and a fifth recipient, whom they already knew).

 

Currently, there are more than 110,000 people on waiting lists in the United States who need organ transplants. Last year, only 28,663 transplants were performed. It is estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people will die in 2011 waiting for a donor match.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

One Death Provides New Life for Many (by Denise Grady, New York Times)

Video of Event (by Brent McDonald, New York Times)