Giving the Gift of Life
A mother shares the importance of organ donation.
April is National Donate Life Month and a time to honor organ and tissue donors for giving the gift of life to patients awaiting transplants. Victoria Bolden is among those who will celebrate this important month. Victoria sees the gift of life from both sides. In July 2020, she and her husband, Anthony Bolden, got the call no parent wants to receive. Their son, Darrius Bolden, was a trauma patient at UF Health Jacksonville.
“Of course, we hoped for a miracle,” Victoria said. “Our son was only 28 years old and full of life with a young daughter and a baby boy on the way. Unfortunately, the doctors told us survival was not possible.”
Despite the terrible circumstances, Darrius still had the chance to give the gift of life. Terri McQuiddy, LifeQuest organ procurement coordinator, remembered the conversation she had with Victoria. Victoria was raised to not believe in organ donation, but after seeing her cousin’s life saved by an organ donor through a double lung transplant, she realized the importance of it.
Darrius in his younger years.
“Darrius was not registered, so the decision about organ donation was up to his parents,” McQuiddy said. “Seeing her cousin’s life saved by an organ donor is what made Victoria say ‘yes’ to organ donation for Darrius.”
Brian Yorkgitis, DO, a UF Health TraumaOne surgeon, was the physician who guided care for Darrius.
“We do everything in our power to help every single patient, but some patients are not able to survive the injuries they experience,” Yorkgitis said. “It always amazes me when families face a tragic loss and still think of others who can be helped by the gifts made possible through organ donation. Their loved one’s legacy continues on through the life they bring to the recipient.”
Saving multiple lives
Darrius gave the gift of life to five people who received his heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys. Darrius was also a tissue donor. So far, six patients have received bone grafts as a result, according to LifeNet Health, the full-service tissue bank that facilitated donation for Darrius.
Tissue transplants can save lives and improve quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating injuries and illnesses. An estimated one in 20 Americans will need some type of tissue transplant in their lifetime.
“Many people don’t realize how impactful tissue donation can be,” said Lesley Garcia, regional manager of donor development for LifeNet Health. “Darrius and his family are true heroes for their willingness to give others a second chance at life.”
Victoria with her cousin, BJ Creighton, whose life was saved by an organ donor.
Remembering Darrius
For the Bolden family, April is special because it is the month Darrius was born. In April 2021, the family held an event called “Darrius Fest,” a gathering with friends to celebrate his life and legacy. It included an opportunity for those attending to register as organ and tissue donors. The first person to sign up was Victoria.
“Our family has had a person receive the gift of life and another give the gift of life,” Victoria said. “One person can make a difference, and I would want to do the same.”
Victoria honoring her son Darrius at Darrius Fest.
Darrius’ legacy continues through his children. His daughter, Jailey-Anthony, knows the impact her dad had on many others and is proud of him. When his son, Damerian, is older, the family will help him understand that his father is and always will be a hero.
Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and register online at DonateLifeFlorida.org.
