‘God wanted that heart for you’: Donor’s family meets transplant recipient
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This story is brought to you by DonorConnect, which acts as the bridge between organ, tissue and eye donors, and transplant recipients. We serve those in Utah, southeastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and Elko, Nevada. Through the generosity of donors and their families, coupled with the expertise of our dedicated staff, we create a lasting ripple effect of hope and healing.
An unimaginable loss turns into a life-saving gift thanks to organ, tissue and eye donation. When Kate Kiehn, 35, died in 2023, her family was devastated. But they were comforted when Kate was able to donate her organs and tissue to people in need.
At the same time, Shanna Battle was also dying. Her heart was failing, and she needed a transplant.
Soon, a match was found. Battle’s life was saved when she received a new heart. That heart was Kate’s. DonorConnect, a nonprofit that facilitates donation in Utah and parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada, was behind this connection.
“I needed it,” Battle later told the Kiehn family through tears. “I really needed it.”
Battle and Kate’s family knew they wanted to speak. So, DonorConnect introduced them to one another. Teri and Ernie, Kate’s parents, told Battle about their daughter through email. She was a critical care nurse full of compassion.
Soon, Battle and the Kiehns wanted to meet in person. DonorConnect was happy to make this happen.
Battle and her loved ones nervously waited at DonorConnect’s office to meet the parents of her donor. When the Kiehns walked through the door, they tearfully embraced Battle.
The two families prayed together. Teri and Ernie used a stethoscope to listen to their daughter’s heart beating strong in Battle’s chest, keeping her alive.
“They didn’t think (Kate’s) organs would be transplantable,” Teri told Battle. “We called our church, and they prayed. Her heart was better afterwards, so God wanted that heart for you.”
Battle is alive today because of Kate’s gift of life.
In their constant pursuit of excellence, DonorConnect gives hope and heals lives through organ, tissue and eye donation. Battle and the Kiehns are just a few of the many people this mission impacts every year.