The Duffer household’s house is stuffed with heaps of love this Valentine’s Day.
They have a brand new baby woman, and Dad bought the lifesaving coronary heart transplant he wanted.
Take a have a look at the particular method the Duffer household is now recognizing love, legacy and the gift of life.
Watch: A Valentine’s Day story about love, legacy and the gift of life
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (1:50) is in the downloads at the finish of this submit. Please courtesy: “Mayo Clinic News Network”. Read the script.
Harley’s struggle to outlive
Being collectively as a household has a deeper that means for the Duffer household this Valentine’s day. In 2021, Harley suffered coronary heart failure stemming from a uncommon genetic situation. He says docs informed him his solely likelihood for survival was to get a coronary heart transplant.
“I was basically on my deathbed,” says Harley. “They told me I had six months to live.” Doctors additionally informed Harley the transplant could be the hardest factor he’s ever performed in his complete life.
Harley says he needed to struggle to outlive for his household.
(picture courtesy: Duffer Family)
The look ahead to a coronary heart donor
Harley was positioned in a medically induced coma at Mayo Clinic to attenuate injury to his coronary heart whereas ready for a donor organ to develop into obtainable. Each passing day took its toll on the household.
“There have been a number of cases the place the worry of him not making it by way of set in very heavy. And then you could have a daughter at house saying ‘Where’s daddy? Where’s daddy?’ It was rather a lot to undergo,” remembers Justine.
The Duffers bought the name they have been hoping for – a donor coronary heart was obtainable. Harley underwent a profitable transplant and started his lengthy street to restoration.
(picture courtesy: Duffer Family)
Heartfelt gratitude
After regaining his health, Harley bought the likelihood to do one thing he by no means anticipated. He was given the alternative to fulfill the household of his organ donor, Peyton Nurse.
Both households bought collectively and listened to Peyton’s coronary heart beating healthy and sturdy in Harley’s chest.
“I could not have asked for a better donor family. They are so caring and welcoming,” says Harley. “I understand they are going through a loss, but I want to be here for them. They are just the best kinds of people.”
Remembering the life and legacy of Peyton Nurse
Peyton is remembered as a loving son, a brother, a buddy to all, and a star scholar who all the time sought to assist others in his neighborhood. He tragically misplaced his life in a automotive accident. His final want was to be an organ donor. Peyton’s coronary heart grew to become the gift of life for Harley.
“We went to see Peyton’s resting place,” says Harley. “Such bravery and selflessness from a young man. I just want to say thank you to Peyton’s family, for your son’s bravery and the sacrifices he’s made.”
(picture courtesy: Lesley Nurse)
(picture courtesy: Duffer Family)
Harley and Justine at the moment are again at house with their daughter, Libi, and their new child baby woman. With their hearts full of love and gratitude, and the hope to hold on the legacy of their coronary heart donor, they named their new baby woman, Peyton.
“We want her to know the importance of organ donation, and that’s why her daddy is still here, to raise his girls, and be here with us all together,” says Justine.
Carrying on the legacy of her son’s title means the world to his mother Lesley. “I can’t wait to hold baby Peyton in person and hold her in my arms,” shares Lesley. The title “Peyton” holds a particular place in her coronary heart as a result of not solely was it her son’s title, however a reputation that was handed down for a number of generations in her household.
Lesley shared these two photos as a Valentine’s Day message to function a reminder of the energy of love, legacy and the gift of life.
“Naming their baby after my son Peyton is the highest honor and image of gratitude, magnitude, and love. Thus he, by way of his gift of organ donation and now his title, is an element of their household perpetually. Names create legacies. We will all the time be related in so some ways.
We are perpetually grateful.Lesley Nurse, Heart donor’s mother
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