Lauren Sloman of Billings, Montana, loved Christmas. She loved it not because she got gifts, but because she got to pass out all the gifts to her family. As everyone would tear into their presents, she would slowly open her own paying more attention to the smiles and laughter of the ones she loved.
Even though Lauren was born with health problems, she was always one to put others needs before her own. “She had the ability to make you smile, no matter what,” said Lauren’s sister, Brittny. “Even when it seemed like she wasn’t helping she gave me a sense of strength that I don’t have without her”
Christmas Day, 2005 Lauren died unexpectedly… she was 15. Even in the midst of the worst day of their lives, Lauren’s family was able to see that donation was something that Lauren would’ve wanted. “Organ donation was the last thing I wanted to think about because that meant I had to let Lauren go,” said Lauren’s mom, Lisa. “When I finally realized that Lauren was really gone, I was able to sit down and talk with a LifeCenter Northwest representative about organ donation. She was so kind and helpful telling me about the process and helping me through it.” Lauren saved the lives of 3 people through organ donation and impacted countless others through tissue donation.
In Seattle, Washington the doctors and family of Jovoni Jones did not think he would make it to Christmas. At the age of 7, Jovoni was diagnosed with Auto-Immune Hepatitis. Bouts of high fever, jaundice, fatigue, and several hospital stays would determine that Jovoni’s liver was functioning on borrowed time and one day he would need a liver transplant.
At 16 years, 79 pounds, and now desperately fighting for his life, Jovoni needed a Christmas miracle and Lauren gave it to him. The long battle for life was over and after a 2 month stay in the hospital, Jovoni was finally going home. Although his illness kept him from attending high school, it did not discourage him from graduating. He is now attending college studying game art and design and preparing to live his dreams.
Lauren and Jovoni’s family have had the pleasure of meeting one another; an experience that was very powerful for both families. “This brings some peace to our family and to the fact that we’ve lost lauren,” said Brittny. “Jovoni was given a second chance that Lauren never had.”
“My daughter, Lauren, was the most giving person I have ever known and she would have been so very proud of the choice we made, and I would urge everyone to consider organ donation,” said Lisa. “It is a very powerful choice.”