Michael’s Story
We’re sharing personal stories about organ donation. The stories are submitted by families who have worked closely with Unyts following the death of a loved one. Take a few minutes to read this very personal story of the gift of life.
It was 2 years ago April 8th that we lost Michael. We found organ donation to be one of the easiest decisions that had to be made after his death.
Michael Cullen was always giving of his time and talents. This went back as far as when his children were in grammar school. Michael was always the one to organize different outings and picnics through the Parent Teacher’s Association at the school.
In the Postal Workers Union, Michael served at steward helping to settle co-workers issues. Volunteering was part of his life. He was proud to take part in the Food Bank Collection each year in Lackawanna. Mike would take his children with a wagon throughout the neighborhood of his route to accept donations, sorting out donations and distributing them to those in need. Michael was also a blood donor for many years and reached the level of gallon donor several times.
We honored Michael’s wishes to become a donor. We learned that 50 people can benefit from one donor. The gift of Michael’s tissues can be used in both transplants and in research. We would also like to commend the staff of Unyts for the way they have kept in touch with our family and helped us through the grieving process.
We would like to encourage more people to sign up to become organ and tissue donors and be sure to tell your family of your wishes! (that last step is very important)
We feel that in donating Michael’s organs, we have followed his pattern in life in giving back.
-Michael Cullens Family
Tags: food bank, michael cullen, Organ Donation, postal workers union, transplants, UNYTS