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Shelby Johnson, Donor HeroShelby Johnson, of Shawnee, Okla., had a vibrant personality, and her smile and laughter could light up a room. At every opportunity, she gracefully made friends as she genuinely loved and accepted people just as they were. As a good friend would, Shelby put others’ needs above her own. She tried in all her might to make people around her feel included and would go out of her way to lend an ear and be a loving friend.
This compassion spilled over into other areas of Shelby’s life. She served her community consistently, volunteering in her free time at an animal shelter and public library. One of her favorite classes in school was Leadership, and during that class, they would go to the elementary schools to read to younger students. She enjoyed this and it meant a lot to her when students would see her outside of school and recognize her. |
Shelby loved school and was involved in every activity possible. She had always planned on going to college and was determined to be a good student. In fact, during her first week of kindergarten, she came home very upset that her teachers had not yet taught her to read! In middle school, she was fascinated by the ocean and aspired to be a Marine Biologist. In high school, her goals shifted, and she became deeply intrigued by the human brain and wanted to study Forensic Science.
From a young age, Shelby was never afraid to be on the stage, whether in a group or alone. She loved to perform and was a talented dancer and especially loved clogging. As the pressure of high school and wanting to devote more time to school came, she gave up dancing. She had most recently taken up photography and loved spending the day with her friends driving around taking pictures of the scenery and each other.
When Shelby turned 16 and passed her driver’s license exam, her mom, Dana, drove her to the Tag Agency. During this drive, Dana explained to Shelby that she would be asked if she wanted to be an organ donor, she shared what it all meant and asked her to think about it during their drive.
The moment Shelby came out of the Tag Agency, she proudly exclaimed, “I did it, I’m an organ donor!” She was so excited to send a picture to her dad, showing off the Little Red Heart, and beamed with excitement to tell her grandparents, too.
Eighteen short months later, a tragic car crash took Shelby’s life. Because her family knew her wishes, there was no hesitation in fulfilling them.
Through Shelby’s death, the gift of life was offered to four others. One short conversation about donation made life possible for others waiting on a lifesaving organ transplant.
From a young age, Shelby was never afraid to be on the stage, whether in a group or alone. She loved to perform and was a talented dancer and especially loved clogging. As the pressure of high school and wanting to devote more time to school came, she gave up dancing. She had most recently taken up photography and loved spending the day with her friends driving around taking pictures of the scenery and each other.
When Shelby turned 16 and passed her driver’s license exam, her mom, Dana, drove her to the Tag Agency. During this drive, Dana explained to Shelby that she would be asked if she wanted to be an organ donor, she shared what it all meant and asked her to think about it during their drive.
The moment Shelby came out of the Tag Agency, she proudly exclaimed, “I did it, I’m an organ donor!” She was so excited to send a picture to her dad, showing off the Little Red Heart, and beamed with excitement to tell her grandparents, too.
Eighteen short months later, a tragic car crash took Shelby’s life. Because her family knew her wishes, there was no hesitation in fulfilling them.
Through Shelby’s death, the gift of life was offered to four others. One short conversation about donation made life possible for others waiting on a lifesaving organ transplant.
Shelby will be honored on the Donate Life Float as an organ donor in a floragraph on New Years Day 2022. A floragraph is a portrait of the donor, created with floral materials such as seeds, grains, spices, dried flowers and other organic materials.
