Meet Darby’s Donor

It only takes a split second to make a decision that can not only affect your life, but the lives of others.

No one knows this better than Lori Gaitten. You may recognize Lori as one of the many faces of the Red Cross. And, she will be the kidney donor seven-year old Darby Bolyard and her family have been waiting for.

"It’s very hard when they tell you your child needs something and you can’t give it to them," said Darby’s mother, Jacqueline.

Nearly a year and a half ago, Jacqueline contacted Lori to see if the Red Cross would hold a blood drive in Darby’s honor and to see if they could get the word out for the need of a donor.

"We talked about the blood drive and how we could make that happen," said Lori. "I asked her if she knew what her blood type is. She said it’s O+. I said I’m O+, I’d be willing to be tested. It was instantaneous. I have never once thought, oh my gosh, what did I just say?"

Lori says this is the easiest decision she has ever made in her life.

Earlier this week, Darby underwent the first part of her transplant process, which her mother says was a success. She is out of the ICU and recovering at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Tune in to the WHIZ News at 11 on Sunday to hear more from Lori on her decision to become an organ donor.