2017 Jasper Yazzie

jasper-yazzie_new-mexico-donor-servicesJASPER YAZZIE

Organ, Cornea and Tissue Donor

Age 35 ~ Fruitland, New Mexico

Donated on 9/10/2014

at San Juan Regional Medical Center

Honored by donatelifenm.org

Jasper Yazzie loved his large, close-knit family and adored his three daughters. One of his joys was taking his girls fishing and camping on the lands of his ancestors. Jasper learned about organ donation at the MVD when his wife explained how one person could save another’s life. He felt it was important to help others in need. On a fateful day in September of 2014, Jasper was struck by a car and his family gathered by his side to say goodbye. His decision to be a registered donor saved lives including Jasper’s uncle through the gift of organ donation. Jasper Yazzie’s heroic decision to be a donor continues the Circle of Life.

Jasper’s Story

Jasper Yazzie was a 35-year-old American Indian husband and father from northern New Mexico.  He worked hard as a roust-a-bout in the oil fields and power plant.  Jasper loved his large close-knit family and adored his three daughters.  One of his joys was taking his girls fishing and camping on the lands of his ancestors.  Jasper learned about organ donation at the MVD when his wife explained how one person could save another’s life.  He was aware American Indians are hesitant about donation, but felt it was important to help others in need. This was just the type of man he was.

On a fateful day in September of 2014 Jasper was walking along a road in Farmington when he was struck by a car and taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center.  At the hospital’s intensive care unit, his family gathered by his side to say goodbye.  It was in this difficult moment that Jasper’s decision to be a registered donor would save lives, including the life of one of his own family members.  Jasper’s uncle had been on the kidney transplant list for several years.  It was meaningful to the family that Jasper’s kidney was a genetic match giving his uncle a second chance at life.  Jasper’s gift of organ donation ultimately saved five lives, gave sight to two people, and is helping many more through tissue donation.  Jasper Yazzie’s heroic decision to be a donor continues the Circle of Life.