The following is an excerpt of a letter from the sister of  Terrence Kevin Sanford who became a donor in January, 1998.

Each New Year’s Eve, for as long as I can remember, everyone in my family received a call from my baby brother Terrence. He always wanted to be the first to wish us a Happy New Year. So, he would call everyone in the family–no matter where he was or what he was doing–as soon as 12am rang out. We have a large family, so that’s a lot of phone calls. But, he made them all. This New Year’s Eve none of us received that call...One of the things that helped make the decision to donate so easy, was the knowledge that Terrence was a man who would never hesitate to help a soul. He would give you the shirt off his back. If you asked him for money, even though he knew he had none, he’d still check his pockets as if to make sure. This is the kind of man he was. He was also a kind and gentle man, with a fierce love for his family and a wonderful father to his son. He had many, many friends and was like a best friend to them all. Terrence was best known for always wearing a big smile. I saw my baby brother as every man to every person. Even though he was the baby boy in the family, he wanted to be the one who took care of everyone. So, we know that we did the right thing in donating his organs...On behalf of the many, many people who are waiting for organs, I urge you to sign your donor card and carry it with you. Talk to your family and let them know that this is your wish. Educate them and let them be aware of how important this is. Provide a donor card for them and have them sign it, and then each one, pass the word on. To give the gift of life can be the greatest, most valuable gift you’ll ever give. If you still have any doubt in your mind about organ donation, just imagine the gratitude you’d feel if you were waiting for that ultimate gift and finally received it.Thank you and God Bless.

Joann Sanford

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