Tami Baert

1
Tami Baert
When Tamis father Wallace Williams died, he
became a tissue donor. The tissue was used in her
spinal fusion surgery. To know that my dad
continues to help me even when hes gone is an
awesome blessing.
2
Mike Blood
When police officer Mike Blood was shot
repeatedly by a bank robber and left for dead, he
required 19 operations, 120 units of blood, and
donated bone to fill a six-inch hole in his
leg. Im moved that someone would make that
sacrifice for me.
3
Karlye Deutsch
Five year old Karlye was diagnosed with Ewings
Sarcoma, a rare cancer that appeared as a tumor
in the bone on her right leg, just before her
third birthday. Her leg was reconstructed with
donated bone. Karlye faced possible amputation,
but thanks to the generous gift of donation, she
is a typical kindergartner, said her mother
Denise.
4
Katie Flournoy
Katie developed a giant bone cell tumor in her
right arm. She was thrilled to learn she could
receive a donated bone graft to reconstruct her
forearm. I am tremendously thankful to my
donor. Now I have the opportunity for a much
better life, full of physical activity and
promise for the future.
5
Two Year Post Op X-ray
Pre-Op X-ray
6
Janine Macaraeg
While playing basketball, Janine damaged her ACL
and needed a tissue transplant. Two months after
her surgery, Janine was able to resume her normal
activities that include basketball, swimming,
golf and volley ball. Janines mother who works
in the field of donation said, Never would I
have imagined that someone in my family would
ever need a transplant. Were very pleased with
the outcome.
7
Stacey Moy
Stacey needed surgery to repair her meniscus.
Due to physical activity, it was worn out and
causing a lot of pain. I was nervous about the
surgery at first, but now I tell everyone I know
that donation is a great thing, and you never
know when you might need a transplant that will
change your life.
8
Monica Montgomery
When Monica shattered her right knee in a soccer
scrimmage in 2002, she didnt know if shed ever
walk again without a cane or crutches. After
major reconstructive surgeries using donated
tissue, Monica learned how to walk again. I
sent a thank-you letter to my donor family.
Because of my wonderful gift, I can walk normally
today. Im thankful for every step I take with my
children.
9
Carson Palmer
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and former Heisman
Trophy Winner Carson Palmer received donated
tissue from donor, Julie Di Rossi, who was killed
by a drunk driver. Carson needed ACL repair after
taking a crushing tackle during a game. Its
given me a second chance at life and Im
extremely grateful to this donor.
10
Rich Pietroski
A baseball injury and a subsequent skiing
accident did damage to Richs shoulder. As a
result he needed a tissue transplant. Rich works
at the Organ Procurement Organization, Gift of
Life Michigan, so he was already familiar with
tissue donation. I can bench press 300 pounds
10 times! I couldnt do any of this without
someone having donated tissue at the time of
death. I am so grateful.
11
David Reed
For David, an ACL injury meant not being able to
enjoy his favorite activities such as tennis and
soccer. Then his surgeon told him hed be
receiving a tissue donation from a deceased
donor. Without this donors sacrifice, I
wouldnt have healed so quickly. Since my
surgery, Ive been able to hike to the top of
Half Dome at Yosemite National Park!
12
Jacob Seyle
On Thanksgiving day 2004, Jacob had an x-ray
that revealed a tumor, an osteosarcoma in his
right shoulder, one of the most common bone
cancers found in children. He began a round of
chemotherapy before undergoing a procedure using
an allograft prosthetic composite, a combination
of an allograft and a joint replacement. I
know I will learn a lot from this and someday
will be able to help kids who have to deal with
what I went through.

Jacob pictured with mother Deborah.
13
Pre-Op X-ray
Post-Op X-ray

14
Paula Van Riper
In 1999, Paula was diagnosed with Multiple
Myeloma and required surgery. Because of a large
tumor in her femur, her hip was replaced with a
titanium one. Donated bone was also implanted in
her right leg so that it would be the same length
as her left leg. My tissue transplant was
instrumental in my healing and my ability to
function normally.
15
Nate Verschaetse
Nate Verschaetse has endured over ten years of
dental procedures to correct a misaligned jaw, a
condition that also made it difficult for him to
breathe through his nose. Nates surgeon used
donated human bone to fill the large gap created
in his newly widened jaw. Because of a bone
transplant and the gift of donation, my life has
improved. I will always be thankful for my gift
and continue to share my story with others.
16
James Zelenak
James crashed his dirt bike, crushing his ankle
joint. A complete ankle allograft transplant
allowed him the freedom and comfort to walk and
play games with his toddler triplets. I often
reflect on the sacrifice that a donor made so I
could have this opportunity. He is literally and
physically a part of me and my life, and I cannot
give enough thanks.