Kim McMahon

Type of Donation:          tissue recipient

Age and Location:          Age 63 – Pensacola, FL

Donation Date:             3/04/2021

Sponsor:                   Honored by American Association of Tissue Banks with LifeNet Health

KIM’S STORY

Kim's involvement in organ, eye and tissue donation began when her 16-year-old son William suddenly needed a liver transplant near the end of 2004. William had been a healthy, active honor student, but after contracting flu-like symptoms it was determined that William was in full liver failure. He was flown to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida where he received a life-saving transplant. Five months later, William required a second liver transplant. Unfortunately, he passed away in May of 2005 before a donor liver could be found. Kim felt that if one more donor was registered, her son may be alive today.

Kim launched a non-profit foundation in William's memory to champion the cause of organ, eye, tissue, and blood donation. She appeared in a PBS documentary Transplant: A Gift for Life where her family’s story was featured. Her foundation produced a video documentary: Will2Live as well as public service announcements that can be viewed online. Her story is also archived in the Library of Congress. She has traveled throughout the United States to various high schools, colleges, and social functions to share her son's story and promote donation whenever possible. She was appointed to serve on a national United Network for Organ Sharing Patient Affairs Committee to help enhance the donation process; she also worked to promote a new, online donor registry for the state of Florida.

In 2021, at the age of 63 Kim underwent an eight-hour spinal fusion surgery. It was during this surgery that Kim received donor bone to repair and strengthen her spine. Her procedure was a success, and Kim was able to resume her career as an international flight attendant. She is currently in her 45th year with Delta Air Lines. The process of organ, eye, and tissue donation has come full circle in Kim’s life! She is beyond grateful to her donor for providing the necessary bone that has allowed her to actively resume her life and career.