LifeSource

LifeSource exists for the thousands of people who are on the waiting list for an organ transplant. Our goal: Everyone who needs a transplant gets one.

Every Yes Counts: Your Support Can Save a Life

Looking down at his wrist at the multi-colored beads strung together that read “Papa,” Jack Clemons is brought to tears. He is a husband, a father to six and “Papa” to six grandchildren. To him, family is everything and he has so much to look forward to, so much still left to do, but right now, he’s waiting for a heart transplant. 

Jack and Sue and their family (submitted photo)

Jack is from Albertville, Minnesota and served in the Navy for seven years. His professional career spanned 36 years in Information Technology engineering and leadership roles. As a self-claimed avid sports fan, one of his treasured memories is taking part in a Twins fantasy camp in 2010. He enjoys the outdoors – from golf to hunting and fishing during the summer – and playing in a pool league, recreationally and competitively, during the winter. 

Previously healthy, something began to change. Jack vividly recalls lying down in bed, feeling like someone covered his nose and mouth – he couldn’t breathe. A few doctors’ visits later resulted in a diagnosis of congestive heart failure when he was just 48 years old.

Through medication, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes (including kicking the smoking habit), Jack was able manage his condition until a year ago. And then, the conversation with his doctors changed: Jack needed a heart transplant.

In February, the poor pumping function of his heart prompted his doctors at the University of Minnesota Medical Center to recommend that Jack receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to assist his failing heart, providing him with a bridge to transplant. 

“The doctors told me, if I was going to live to 80 or 90, it wasn’t going to be with this heart,” Jack said.

Jack is Counting on Us

While he waits for his transplant, Jack embraces every moment with positivity and determination; and finds new ways to stay active and engaged in his community. 

He recently completed the LifeSource Donate Life Ambassador training program. By sharing his perspective as someone on the waiting list, he hopes to inspire more people to register as an organ donor for a chance to save lives. Less than 1% of people who die will have this opportunity to donate organs.

“I was raised that we have an obligation to serve, to give to others; so, why would organ donation be any different?” Jack said. It’s about helping people.” 

How You Can Help

Your financial support during Give to the Max Day works to fund community education programs that inspire more people to register as donors, saving lives like Jack.  

Your gift today provides hope for Jack and those currently on the waiting list for transplant. It offers hope for those who will be added to the wait list tomorrow.

Who will you inspire to check the box?   

Make your gift today!  

Together, we can make more stories possible. 

About LifeSource

We are designed to facilitate organ, eye and tissue donation between hospitals and transplant centers; support families and patients by honoring their intentions; and educate our communities about the impact of donation.