04/22/2026
In honor of National Donate Life month, Kadlec caregiver Terry Keith shared the story of her son, Robert Christian, whose selfless gift helped a burn victim, a heart patient, and many others.
"My son passed away April 7, 2016, at the age of 28 of an accidental overdose of a mixture of meds. I did not know he was an organ donor until I was contacted by LifeSharing the day of his passing. This was not an easy decision, and I had literally moments to decide if I was going to fulfill my sons wishes to be that organ donor for someone out there.
“I did finally consent and I am glad I did.
"It is my understanding that someone was the recipient of his eyes, one of his kneecaps, his femoral artery, some skin grafts for a burn victim and his heart valves. I am happy that someone out there has benefited from my son.
"It’s hard and heart wrenching in the moment of being contacted and the final act of donation to give up parts of the person you love in this fashion, but also very comforting to know that your loved one helped someone else to live on. It’s all so time sensitive; you do not have time to wrap your head around what you are about to do. Your heart is in grief mode immediately and shock. This donation is not something that can be sat on and mulled over. You have literally moments to decide.
"My heart goes out to any family member who has been through this."
Thank you, Robert, for your lasting legacy. ❤️
To learn how you can become an organ donor, please visit: https://www.donatelifenw.org/content/register-now.
(Pictured below is Terry's son Robert.)