Maria Lourdes Santana was also known as Esperanza - hope - and she gave that to others over 40 years as a nurse. Born in Leon, Nicaragua, Maria was known for caring for others, including her two sons, Alejandro Parajon and Alfonso Santana. On June 30, 2011, 59-year-old Maria suffered a brain aneurysm, yet she fought to survive six high-risk surgeries. A few months later, she suffered a head trauma and could not be saved. Maria had not known about donation, but her sons made the decision on her behalf. She gave her final gift by saving and enhancing four people's lives.

Maria's Story

Maria Lourdes Santana, also known as Esperanza, was born in Leon, Nicaragua. As her name implies, she was a woman who provided hope to others as a nurse for more than 40 years and as a mother of her two sons, Alejandro Parajon and Alfonso Santana. She was a joyful person who lived her life to serve others. She also had a passion for music, dancing, cooking and traveling, especially back home to Nicaragua.

As a young woman, Maria worked hard to obtain her education and her nursing credentials. A key factor in her success was her grandmother, who inspired her to succeed in life. It was very important to Maria to share that inspiration and work ethic with her sons.

On June 30, 2011, Maria was rushed to the hospital as she suffered a brain aneurysm. Her prognosis was not good but she fought to survive after six 6 high-risk surgeries. In September, 59-year-old Maria suffered a head trauma at the rehab facility where she was being treated; the doctors could not save her a second time. She was pronounced brain dead on September 8, 2011.

Maria had not signed up to be an organ donor, not because she didn't want to be one, but because she simply didn't know about it. When she became a candidate for donation, her two sons and family made the decision to donate by looking at the pros and cons of donation. Maria gave her final gift by saving and enhancing four people's lives with her donations: both kidneys, her lungs, and liver. She left this world with a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew her. Her body was laid to rest with family and friends present in her hometown of Leon, Nicaragua on September 25th, 2011.

"Thank you, Mom, for your 59 years of love and laughter which I enjoyed for almost 36 years. My heart is broken at the thought of all the tomorrows I will face without your words of wisdom," said her son Alejandro. "It is so easy to forget this life is only temporary, but life in God's Kingdom is eternal. The pain is so great it is hard to remember that it is only, 'Goodbye for now' and not forever. While I grieve selfishly for my loss, I am trying hard to remember and rejoice for you, because I know your Spirit walks with God anew. "