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2015 WALKER

 CHERYL MANLEY

Kidney Donor
Age 59 ~ Tulsa, OK

Sponsored by LifeShare of Oklahoma


Cheryl Manley's transplant story began in November 1996 when her family was returning from church. Her older daughters were in a separate car and wound up in a terrible accident. Her daughter Alisa survived her injuries, but her daughter Amanda succumbed to her injuries and became an organ and tissue donor. Since Amanda's donation, Cheryl has worked as a donation advocate and in 2002 she met a donor mom named Stephanie. The two families became close. Earlier this year, Stephanie told Cheryl her kidneys were failing. Cheryl was able to donate her kidney to Stephanie on October 16, 2014. Now a few months later, Cheryl will walk beside the float and the floragraph of Amanda Philpott, the daughter she lost but whose gifts helped so many others.


Cheryl's Story

Cheryl Manley's transplant story began on Sunday, November 24, 1996. While returning home from church, her older daughters were in a horrible traffic accident. Daughter Alisa would survive her injuries, but Amanda had a brain injury. Despite surgery to reduce the swelling, the next day the family was told that Amanda was brain dead.

"At that time we were asked to consider organ and tissue donation," Cheryl recalled. "Amanda loved helping others, so the decision was not difficult."

Cheryl remembered a prayer request for a woman named Bonnie who needed a heart. She asked if Bonnie could have Amanda's heart, but were told it was not likely. The next day Cheryl received a call from one of Amanda's friends who was dating the grandson of Bonnie Duke who had just received a heart. Cheryl said, "We were pretty sure that Amanda was the donor, and it was confirmed later that she was."

Bonnie and Cheryl spoke many times about the need for organ, eye and tissue donation. Cheryl has continued to encourage donation since her daughter's donation in 1996. She now serves as co-manager for Team Oklahoma, and they participate in the Transplant Games every other year to demonstrate the success of donation.

In 2002, Cheryl met another donor mom named Stephanie, whose son had died a year earlier. Stephanie's mother had also received a kidney more than 25 years ago. The two families became very close and have attended the Transplant Games together.

Earlier this year, Cheryl learned that Stephanie's kidneys were failing. "I knew immediately that I wanted to be tested to donate my kidney," she said. We were both surprised that we are a match! The surgery took place on October 16, 2014.

"My work with organ, eye and tissue donation has taught me so much. I know it saves lives! I am truly honored to be able to help educate the public through my volunteer work and for this opportunity to help someone I love very much! "