Ascension Sacred heart Bay continues its heartfelt tradition of paying tribute to the families of organ, tissue, and eye donors through the Tree of Life memorial. This poignant commemoration began in 2009 with a seven-foot tree and has since flourished into a towering 15-foot symbol of remembrance. Annually, as part of the holiday season, family members of donors gather to decorate the tree with ornaments crafted in memory of their loved ones, ensuring that their spirit and legacy endure with each passing year.
The story of Eva Joyner is a testament to the comfort and connection this monument provides. After her daughter, Jordan, passed away eleven years ago, her eyes were donated for research, a gesture that brought solace to the grieving mother. Eva discovered an ornament made in her daughter’s memory and has since been dedicated to aiding other families navigating the complex emotions of loss and donation. Despite the initial reluctance of many to broach the subject of organ donation, for families like Eva’s, contribution to such a noble cause fosters healing and preserves their loved one’s legacy.
The ceremony attracted support from organizations like LifeNet Health, LifeQuest, and the Lions World Vision Institute, illustrating a community united in empathy and shared purpose. This solidarity is a reminder of the vast network working harmoniously to address the dire need for organ donations across the nation. Over 103,000 individuals linger on the national organ transplant waiting list, a figure highlighting the urgency of continued awareness and participation in organ donation programs.
The Tree of Life memorial not only commemorates loss but also serves as a beacon of hope. It underscores the significant impact of organ donation, providing a lifeline to those awaiting transplants and offering solace to families, knowing their loved one’s legacy contributes to the sustenance of life and the advancement of medical research. This tradition at Ascension Sacred heart Bay encapsulates the profound cycle of giving and receiving, breathing life into community bonds and memorializing the selfless acts of donation.
