Amy Johnson's daughter, Nicole Scott, was a vivacious, passionate 15-year-old who never met a stranger and enjoyed the role of social coordinator among her friends. A gifted athlete, Nicole was involved in a fatal car accident on June 4, 2001. Amidst the devastation of losing a child, Amy knew that her generous daughter would do anything to help someone in need and agreed to organ donation. Thanks to Nicole's gifts, three people were given a second chance at life. Amy has met all three and has formed a bond with each: a Utah woman who received Nicole's heart; a Colorado man who received Nicole's liver; and a New York woman who received Nicole's kidney.

Amy's Story

Amy Johnson was proud of her daughter, Nicole Scott, who at 15 was a vivacious, passionate young woman who never met a stranger and was the social coordinator in her group of friends. Nicole was also a gifted athlete. On June 4, 2001, Nicole was involved in a fatal car accident.

After the crash, and amidst the devastation of losing a child, Amy made an important decision that ultimately saved the lives of three people. She knew her daughter was generous, kind and would do anything to help someone in need. Because of this, Amy gave her permission for Nicole to be an organ donor.

Nicole's heart went to a Utah woman named Mandee, who suffered from a congenital heart defect since birth. Since receiving Nicole's heart, Mandee has been able to enjoy a healthy life. Mandee and Nicole's families met in person in 2002 and quickly formed a strong bond. They spend holidays and vacations together and, in 2003, Mandee was a bridesmaid in the wedding of Nicole's sister, Lyndsey. A decade later, Amy and her husband Rick helped escort Mandee down the aisle at her wedding.

"At first I was so wrapped up in the tragedy of Nicole's death that I forgot she gave three people a new lease on life," Amy said. "But later, it really hit home that something good had come out of this tragedy. I think that was a turning point for me."

Nicole's liver saved the life of Ron, a husband and father also from Colorado, whom Amy met on Mother's Day of 2003.

Seven years after Nicole's death, Amy received a letter from Emma, Nicole's kidney recipient. With some assurances from Amy, Emma flew to Denver from New York in 2009 to meet Amy and the rest of Nicole's family.

"Now I, too, am living again since Nicole's death," said Amy. "Knowing she saved so many lives through her gifts, I feel peace and calmness in my heart. I am so honored that Mandee, Ron, and Emma are a part of that journey.

"I have learned a lot. Comfort can come from tragedy. One family's loss can help other families grow. Just because someone is gone doesn't mean they'll be forgotten. And you never know when your life can change forever."