Beech Tree News Network

This time of year, toy stores are crammed with loving parents, aunts & uncles, and grandparents trying to find the perfect gift for their favorite little ones.
Last Christmas season, Jace’s mom was praying she would have her son long enough make Christmas memories.  She dreamed of having the opportunity simply see him walk, watch him open Christmas gifts, sing songs, and enjoy holiday treats.
Jace was born in May 2014.  Five days later, his mom thought he had a virus and took him to the doctor.  Before she knew it, Jace was being rushed to Kosair Children’s Hospital in heart failure.  Kosair saved his life with his first open heart surgery as just an infant.  That’s where Jace’s mom & dad, Lacey & Cody Riley, would learn the news of their son’s ailment.  “He was born with half a heart.  But that half a heart, stole all of mine,” says Lacey.
The Riley family was told that a heart transplant was the only cure to save their son.  They assumed this surgery would happen in just a few weeks.  However, as many patients on the transplant waiting list learn, there is a critical shortage of organs.  They waited months and months.  Jace fought for his life.  By November, Jace’s heart couldn’t take much more.  “We were losing our boy right before our eyes,” says Lacey.  Doctors at St. Louis Children’s Hospital told the Riley family that they could try an innovative VAD operation.  It had never been done on a single ventricle.  Thankfully, Jace’s surgery was successful.  This kept Jace alive and fighting for his second chance at life.
On Christmas Eve, their doctor came into the hospital room.  Lacey explains, “We learned we would receive the ultimate gift.  Our donor family said ‘yes’ and saved our son’s life that day.”
Jace is now 19 months old and about to celebrate 1 year since his transplant on Christmas Day.  “He is our miracle baby.  And our donor family is our hero,” Lacey says.
During the holidays, many of us wish to give back, but we struggle to find the time and means to do so.  This Christmas, there is something everyone can do that costs nothing, takes less than a minute, and helps children like Jace.  Joining the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry gives hope to thousands of children, adults, and their families.
“Although we may not be able to save a child’s life today, we are able to give hope simply by registering,” explains Butler Circuit Clerk, Melissa Cardwell.  “There are over 122,000 patients waiting for an organ transplant this Christmas.  Each day, 22 patients will lose their fight, and their life, waiting.”
The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life is a nonprofit dedicated to educating Kentuckians about this lifesaving mission.
“As your Circuit Court Clerk, I’ve been involved with this mission of organ donation for many years.  I am so proud of our Deputy Clerks for asking every person obtaining a license or ID if they would like to donate $1 to increase education about organ donation.  We also ask everyone to join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.  It only takes a moment to say ‘yes’ and be hope,” explains Cardwell.
“There is no age limit or medical requirements to joining the Registry.  Everyone is welcome!  Butler County is fortunate to have such caring individuals working in the Circuit Clerk’s Office.  They are committed to helping their community and saving lives through organ donation,” explains Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk’s Trust For Life.
“We feel honored to give everyone the opportunity to be part of the lifesaving team.  Thanks to the kindness of this community and the dedication my hardworking staff, many of you have already joined the Registry over the years.  However, the need is still there.  49% of Kentuckians are registered donors.  Everyone in town can join and get the blue heart on their license.  If you have questions about organ donation, you can call the Trust For Life at 1-866-945-5433 and talk to professionals about the Registry and organ donation,” explains Cardwell.
Jace is thriving today, thanks to the miracle of organ donation & transplantation.  You can read more about his story, and others from around Kentucky, on the Trust For Life’s 120 Stories online dedication wall.