The Storyteller

Katy was born with two holes in her heart, out of place heart valves and without a pulmonary artery. She clutched her Raggedy Anne doll as she went into her first surgery. She was only 10 days old.

A few years earlier, a little boy named Phillip John, called “PJ” by everyone, sat in front of the TV. He listened to the story of a man in need of a kidney donation. This sparked something in PJ, and he asked his mom if it would hurt.

“Yes” she answered “but only for a little while. And the reward is that you get to save another person’s life.”

PJ, inspired by the selfless act, told his mom he would want to be an organ donor. That simple statement changed Katy’s life forever. Tragically, PJ’s wish of helping someone in need came true far too soon. Not long after the news story aired, PJ was struck by a car and killed while riding his bike.

Because of that short conversation, PJ restored Katy’s pulmonary artery and heart valves.

In middle school when she had to give a speech, the story of her hero donor was an obvious choice. That moment inspired Katy’s love of public speaking. Today, she continues to share her story in hopes that it will spark a life saving conversation.

It took Katy years to sit down and write a letter to PJ’s family. She thanked them and expressed her sadness over their loss. She was surprised to receive a letter back and an invitation to spend New Years together.

After a teary introduction PJ’s mother told her, “You have fulfilled my child’s dreams, how could we be anything but proud?”

To this day Katy calls PJ her angel, her hero.

She now lives in London, working in donation and transplant, continuing to pursue a message that she will always hold dear to her heart.