Jazmyn N. Creason was a healthy 16-year-old student and athlete looking forward to graduating from high school a year early with plans to become an attorney. But, out of the blue, she had an intense pain in her side during softball practice and was diagnosed with Caroli disease, a rare liver condition. For the next year, Jazmyn traveled to six children's hospitals looking for answers as her condition worsened. A transplant became her only option and on February 13, 2011, Jazmyn received her new liver. Jazmyn's donor was an 18-year-old boy from California who was killed in a car accident and whose organs saved Jazmyn's life as well as the lives of seven others. Now, more than three years later, Jazmyn is 21 and helping others with "Jazmyn's Lunch Break," which offers respites for parents of chronically ill children.

Jazmyn's Story

Jazmyn N. Creason was a healthy 16-year-old student and athlete looking forward to graduating from high school a year early. She had hopes of becoming an attorney and thought nothing could stand in her way. But, one day out of the blue, an intense pain in her side during softball practice sent her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with Caroli disease, a rare liver condition.

In the first year after her diagnosis, Jazmyn traveled to six children's hospitals looking for answers as her condition worsened. Infection after infection took over while pain, unbearable nausea and high fevers became a daily occurrence. A liver transplant became her only option, and she was put on the waiting list.

On February 13, 2011, after weeks of anxious waiting, Jazmyn and her family received the call they had been praying for. There was a liver available for her.

"There are really no words to describe the joy and hope I felt," said Jazmyn. "This wasn't happiness like when you buy a fantastic pair of shoes, but this happiness was filled with a sense of peace. This was my second chance at life."

Jazmyn's donor was an 18-year-old boy from California who was killed in a car accident. His family's generous decision to donate his organs saved Jazmyn's life as well as the lives of seven others.

"My family and I said a prayer for this boy and his family," recalled Jazmyn. "Their decision gave me the miracle of life. I couldn't stop thinking about this selfless act."

Now, more than three years since her transplant, Jazmyn is 21 and helping to make a difference in the lives of others. She and her family founded "Jazmyn's Lunch Break," a nonprofit organization that offers respite opportunities for parents of chronically ill children. Reminded of her long stays in the hospital while waiting for her transplant, she also leads a program that provides handmade blankets for patients at her local hospital.

"I'm still on my journey to hope and healing, but it's nice to help others through theirs as well," she confirmed.