My Thanksgiving column, “Let’s count our blessings,” about double-arm-transplant recipient Jeff Kepner would not be complete without this complementary piece. One must not forget that most transplant stories are interwoven with sadness. Of the two parties involved, for one there is an anticipation of hope and healthy normal life; for the other there is the end of life and the families, with unbearable vacuum in the heart, must prepare to bury their loved one.

However sad it is, death is ultimate. The moment it occurs, the human frame called the body becomes a corpse and starts decaying. However, if one wants to make death a new beginning and find solace in a humanly possible way, I believe a better way to immortalize the departed is to donate his or her organs before they turn into dust or ashes and help save someone else’s life and improve several others’ quality of life.

Jeff Keen from Pennsylvania died instantly in an accident. He was just 23 years old, the father of a 1-year-old son and the youngest of four brothers. “Jeff Keen wanted to help people, perhaps by becoming a nurse or a counselor. He never realized those career ambitions, but, in death, he is helping people through organ donation,” said one of his brothers. He would have been proud to know that in the first U.S. double-hand-transplant, his hands were grafted onto another man at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and his marrow cells were infused into the recipient later to minimize the need for anti-rejection drugs.

In addition, his liver, kidneys, heart and a lung went to five other people and 30 to 50 others could benefit from his donation of tissue and corneas, said Holly Bulvony, a spokesperson for the Center for Organ Recovery and Education.

The late Jeff Keen believed strongly in organ donation. He signed up to be a donor when he first got his driver’s license and urged his mother to become one, too. “Jeff had a remarkably caring and loving heart that I often aspire to. Going through this process, it’s really opened my eyes to the incredible potential of organ donation,” said Daniel Rossi-Keen, his oldest brother, a college professor. Though the family is still grieving, knowing their loved one’s organs have helped so many people has been redemptive. The double-hand transplant was the first moment of joy I felt during this entire tragedy,” said the donor’s mother in a statement.

Rossi-Keen said he appreciated how the Center for Organ Recovery and Education treated them during this devastating time. “They listened to us, cried with us, answered questions. They made a very tragic situation beautiful and hopeful,” Rossi-Keen said.

Nearly 100,000 people are on the U.S. organ transplant waiting list. On an average day, about 77 people receive organ transplants. But thousands more never get that call from their transplant center saying a suitable donor – and a second chance at life – has been found. Nationwide, about 101,000 people are waiting. According to CORE, about 37 percent of Americans are registered organ donors. About 28,000 transplants were performed in America in 2008. Being an organ donor is a generous and worthwhile decision that can be a lifesaver.

Dr. W.P. Andrew Lee, Kepner’s surgeon, said the donor family’s act should make people think beyond just declaring themselves as organ donors. The donors should think of other body parts, as well. At some point, leg transplants will also be possible. “Jeff Kepner is an example of how organ donation can change one’s life and his family’s life.”

While being interviewed, Mrs. Kepner said her husband is “upbeat,” which is the same attitude that has sustained him since the time of his amputations. However, they haven’t forgotten the farsighted generous decision of the donor and the sacrifices made by the donor’s family. Mr. and Mrs. Kepner express boundless gratitude to the family. They have been in touch with the Keens.

I can’t help but notice that both, the donor and the recipient, have the same first name. Makes me wonder if it’s just a coincidence or God’s intricately destined mysterious plan.

Let us count our blessings and express our heartfelt thanks for God’s presence in our adversity. We know that the struggle makes us better and helps us open our eyes to the deeper facts of existence. Our giving thanks is a spiritual reaction to the benefits received.

Mandakini Hiremath is a Claflin instructor and coordinator of the university’s writing center.

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