CINCINNATI — At the 17th annual Community Breakfast held by the LifeCenter Organ Donor Network, one man who received a liver transplant will tell his story of the kindness of total strangers.
Jon McSorely had to catch a flight to his surgery, but when he and his family went to board the plane they found the flight was overbooked. McSorely said no one volunteered to give their seat up at first. Then a flight attendant told McSorely's story and people volunteered in droves.
"There were so many people who came to our seat, or as we were walking down the aisle, who offered, 'Well how are you getting to the hospital? Can I take you?'" McSorely said. "People who I never met, and it was a really emotional, feel good moment."
Two other people will also be highlighted at this year's event; tissue recipient Joshua Dean and donor mom Chandi Findley. They will also share their stories about how organ and tissue donation impacted their lives. Other donation champions from the Tri-State will be recognized and honored as well.
"The Community Breakfast is a celebration of the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation in our community," said Andi Johnson, LifeCenter's Community Relations Director.
The breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. and goes until 10 a.m. at the Cintas Center on Xavier University's campus. Tickets cost $10 for kids, $15 for active Donate Life Ambassadors and $25 for adults.
Eight years ago, 9 On Your Side Anchor Tanya O'Rourke became a living organ donor. You can watch her story on our YouTube page.
To identify yourself as an organ donor, visit the Donate Life America website at donatelife.net and choose your state of residence to learn about the options in your area.