A Miami man’s legacy: How organ donations saved lives | Opinion

When Renee Jones lost her son Trevin Reddick in Miami, her “yes” to organ donation gave Don Anacker, of Orlando, a second chance at life. They share their story to honor Trevin’s legacy and inspire Floridians to register as donors.

Renee Jones, mother of donor:

On Oct. 18, 2011, my world stopped. My son Trevin, just 19, was shot and critically injured in Miami. For two weeks, I sat by his side, praying for a miracle. I wanted so desperately for him to live. But in my heart, I knew my boy would not survive.

The night before he passed, I dreamed of my late mother. In that dream, she opened a door and gently guided Trevin through. The next day, my son was called home.

Trevin, who attended Miami Central High, was kind, selfless and always the first to lend a helping hand. He didn’t like to see others struggle. When the doctors asked about organ donation, I didn’t know much about the process. Trevin was not a registered donor, but I knew who he was and what he stood for. And so I said “yes” on his behalf.

It was the hardest decision of my life — and the most powerful. My Trevin went on to save four lives directly and countless others through the ripple effect of this decision. His spirit of love and generosity lives on in the lives he saved.

Don Anacker, recipient of his heart:

I am one of the lives Trevin saved.

I had my first heart attack at 41, and my health declined quickly. I felt that I was staring at a wall with no door. My tomorrows were slipping away. A heart transplant was my only hope for a future.

My phone rang on Nov. 1, 2011 — a family had said “yes” to organ donation. That family was Trevin’s. His heart would become my heart, and I would have a second chance at life. I suddenly had hope for a future with my wife, my children and my grandchildren.

Five years later, I met Trevin’s mom Renee. We hugged and cried together. She leaned close to me, placed her ear against my chest and heard her son’s heart beating inside me. That moment bonded us forever. She will always be the mother of my heart.

Trevin’s gift saved my life and the lives of many others. Renee and Trevin inspired my own son to become an organ donor. After my son passed, his decision to be a donor saved others. That’s how organ donation changes the world — one donor at a time.

Renee Jones:

I miss my son Trevin every day, but I am so proud of the legacy he left behind. Not long after his passing, I received an envelope filled with letters from Don’s family and friends. They wrote about birthdays, laughter and milestones I never imagined my son would touch.

Some letters made me cry; others made me smile. Together, they brought me comfort.

My son was still helping people, still spreading love, even after he was gone. This journey has also opened my eyes to the truth about organ donation. For too long — especially in the Black community — we avoided even talking about it.

Sometimes they say “no” out of misunderstanding. I’ve seen the regret that follows. That’s why these conversations matter and why they should happen before the unimaginable.

Through donation, Trevin’s kindness lives on. His heart beats inside Don, reminding me that we each have the power to save lives, restore hope and create unlikely bonds.

Today, more than 5,000 Floridians are waiting for someone to say “yes.” I encourage you to talk with your loved ones and consider registering as a donor.

Visit donatelifeflorida.org to give the gift of life.

Renee Jones is the author of “And The Beat Goes On.” Don Anaker, a heart recipient, lives in Orlando.