Chelsey knew from a young age that she wanted to be an organ donor someday. That day came unexpectedly when her 16-year-old life was cut short by a drunk driver in May of 2021.
Chelsey's older sister Mackenzie Hernandez was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect prior to bein- born in 1999. Mackenzie defied odds by living past birth but needed a new heart. Unfortunately, she was never stable enough to be a transplant candidate. She passed at 3 months old, inspiring our family to become advocates for organ donation.
When I was faced with the decision to donate Chelsey's organs, I was confident in fulfilling my daughter's wishes.
Even though this was such a
tragedy, knowing that she saved four other people's lives makes my life complete.
Chelsey's legacy lives on through her recipients. I have been able to communicate with several of them and take comfort in knowing that someone else's dreams were made whole by Chelsey’s choice to give.