1st Place Prize Winner: Melissa C. - An 11"x14" Open Edition, Signed Giclee on Canvas of "Living Aloha" + a Brush and Palette Abstract by Walfrido.
"I have a job unlike any other. My role is to speak to families at hospitals within our designated service area that are unfortunately losing loved ones. After learning of their loved ones poor prognosis I sit and speak to these families and offer them the option of their loved one being an organ donor and saving lives. It is a very emotional conversation and the majority of the time families agree as they see the opportunity for something good to come out of something tragic. We guide our families through the donation process, offering them support the entire time which can sometimes be a couple days. We leave our own families for hours on end, days at times, to care for families that are not our own. It becomes challenging for the majority of us that are mother’s, being away from our babies. It’s emotionally and physically draining. However, I’m quite often asked why I continue doing this job. My answer: through all the grief our families are going through, as we are walking their loved one to the operating room, right before we enter the room our families have a smile on their face knowing their loved one will be a hero and continue living on. That smile would not have been there had our team not presented them with this amazing option. That smile makes it all worth it. Together with our donor family and with our amazing donor hero, we save lives each and every day! We get to witness the most selfless gift. Through all the grief our families are going through they see past that and are able to think of others and the lives they can save. Do I have the dream job? Yes, I do."
- Melissa C.