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Kandy Takas | Kidney Transplant Recipient | Millbury, Ohio

LCO facilitates organ donation from its first HOPE Act donor hero

July 28, 2022 | By Kara Steele
LCO facilitates organ donation from its first HOPE Act donor hero

Because of Billy’s incredible generosity, Life Connection of Ohio facilitated organ donation from its first HOPE Act donor hero. The HOPE (HIV Organ Policy Equity) Act enables organ transplants from HIV-positive donor heroes to HIV-positive recipients.

Billy’s sister, Jessica, is proud that her brother was able to give the gift of life through organ donation and be part of such a milestone event. Here’s more on what she had to say about Billy:

“Billy was an artist, an uncle, a brother and – at many points in life – the best friend that I had. Of course we had our differences, but our bond stuck with us always.

Billy spent most of his leisure time making street wear and clothing items. He had a unique style that that came from interests in punk and folk art and music. He was heavily inspired by the 50s decade but also enjoyed some modern aspects of fashion culture.

Billy and I had never talked about him wanting to be an organ donor. The only preference of his that we had ever discussed was him not wanting to be buried in a suit, which speaks to his personality. When I was first asked about my brother’s decision to be an organ donor, I thought, ‘Oh no, that isn’t possible because he has a disease.’ My brother had spent years of his life feeling like an outcast and an imposition, and when he found out that he had HIV, those feelings were worse for him.

What I value most about this experience with Life Connection of Ohio is that through the donation of Billy’s organs, he was able to be a part of something good. Billy would love that. It’s a different kind of loneliness when you experience the loss of your only sibling. Being asked to be a part of the organ donation process made it easier for me to move forward. Being able to talk about him, the gifts from donor families, and the support from the people at Life Connection of Ohio all made me feel like even with the loss of someone so close and dear to me, I’m not alone.

My brother will not be forgotten. Others will be able to have a chance to enjoy life because of his kind act. I’m grateful for this experience and proud to say that my brother is a life-saving donor who made history with his involvement in the HOPE Act.”