​Liver Recipient Celebrates 30 Years of Extra Life

Tulsa Woman Given a Second Chance at Life Through Organ Donation

Oklahoma City, OK (April 22, 2024) - In early 1994, Talitha Brown, of Tatums, Okla., was a full-time working mom, busy with a toddler, traveling, and leading a normal and healthy life. It was only during a routine outpatient procedure did Talitha’s doctor take note of her enlarged liver. Asymptomatic and healthy, Talitha struggled to understand the severity of her journey ahead.

Unfortunately, medical tests and procedures only raised more questions, leaving Talitha and her family discouraged and hopeless. Her health quickly declined in the following months, eventually being diagnosed with a rare condition affecting only one in a million adults. Talitha’s diagnosis marked the beginning of her fighting for her life.

By summer, Talitha was in need of a miracle; she needed a liver transplant to save her life. Talitha was officially listed for a transplant and was waiting for one, and her health began to decline. Doctors told her that they had done everything they knew to do. Talitha began preparing her goodbyes and organizing her affairs.

Five days later, Talitha’s life changed forever. She was given the gift of life through organ donation from a selfless donor hero. She received a successful liver transplant on June 30, 1994. 30 years later, Talitha continues to celebrate life through the selfless gift of organ donation.

​“Within these last 30 years, I have raised my daughter, remarried, gained a stepson, and have four beautiful grandchildren. I am still working, traveling, and enjoying a second chance at life. My story continues because I haven’t completed my purpose according to God’s will. I am forever grateful!” stated Talitha.

 April is National Donate Life Month. Across the United States, more than 100,000 individuals wait for an organ transplant to save their life. Thousands more need tissue and corneal transplants to restore mobility and sight. Without the generous gift of more than 40,000 donors in the United States each year, many would still be waiting for a lifesaving gift.
 
LifeShare is honoring those who have given the gift of life by celebrating National Donate Life Month. You can give the gift of life by registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at LifeShareRegistry.org.