Cindy Herbst and her family actually stayed in a transplant house and saw firsthand the "oasis" it was for those families undergoing transplant away from home. As executive director of Restoring Hope Transplant House, she wants that same oasis for others.

Mary Nachreiner's daughter Kelly became an organ donor at the age of 16. Please read about Kelly's touching story below.

We hope that you will join us tonight as we unite to support a wonderful cause!

Kelly Nachreiner Story Written by Her Mother Mary
When getting her driver’s permit at the DMV, 16 year-old Kelly Nachreiner of Sauk City, WI, was asked if she wanted to be an organ donor. Her response was “Well, of course, why wouldn’t I?” Her family never dreamed four weeks later she would indeed become an organ donor and save the lives of three strangers. “Kelly’s ability to be an organ donor was the one ray of sunshine at the darkest time of our lives,” shares Kelly’s mom, Mary.

Realizing the critical need for organ donors, Wisconsin state legislators honored Kelly’s decision, and on May 9, 2000, Governor Tommy Thompson signed the Kelly Nachreiner Bill (AB-762) into law. The bill requires all drivers’ education classes in Wisconsin to give at least thirty minutes of instruction on organ donation. The bill was the first of its kind in Wisconsin. There are now eighteen similar bills in the United States.

“Kelly was an ordinary girl, who made an extraordinary decision, for which we will be forever grateful. We hope everyone gives their family that gift. Make a decision about organ, tissue and eye donation and tell your family,” is a reminder the Nachreiner family shares with others.

Special note: Kelly will be honored in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA on New Year’s Day, 2009. A floragraph of Kelly will be on the Donate Life float entitled “Stars of Life”. Governor Tommy Thompson will also be honored in the float as a Star of Life for his commitment to organ, tissue and eye donation. The Stars of Life float is #69 in the 89 float line up. For more information visit: www.donatelifefloat.org.