Organ Donation Allows Harrison to Experience Life to the Fullest

Harrison Rogers’ mother, Mikaela, affectionately describes him as “all boy” and she and her husband, Buck, as well as family have enjoyed the special blessing of being able to watch that little boy grow up. The life they live together as a family now with their son, Harrison, was not promised to the Rogers. When Harrison was just 10 months old, his parents learned he would need a heart transplant to survive. Harrison’s life depended on an organ donor.

“He was on a VAD (ventricular assist device) and could not live without it. It pumped his heart for him. He has had multiple strokes, seizures, and has been on life support multiple times. He was delayed and could not walk or talk until recently,” said Mrs. Rogers. “He is truly a miracle baby. We are able to watch our baby boy grow and be a normal little boy. We’ve celebrated holidays and birthdays at home, we’ve gone on vacations, and we get to go to church and live a normal life.”

All of that living for Harrison would not have been possible if another family had not made the decision to participate as organ donors. Now at the age of three years old, Harrison is living a life that was not promised to him and thriving. Although Harrison has been delayed in reaching certain milestones, his parents are encouraged daily by his progress. Mrs. Rogers believes the time Harrison has spent in the hospital, being bed-bound for so long, and undergoing multiple surgeries have all been contributing factors in his progress.

“In Fall of 2023, he started walking and talking and has not stopped yet. He has truly overcome obstacles that most people never have to face. He loves going to church most of all and he loves to ‘pray’ for anyone and everyone,” said Mrs. Rogers. “He continues to learn new things every day.”

The importance of organ donation is not new to the Rogers family. Wanda King, Mrs. Rogers cousin, received her first organ donation of a heart in 2015. Mrs. Rogers shared about how helpful Mrs. King has been through the organ donation process.

“She has been there for questions, concerns, and needs any time I’ve had any. She has constantly reminded me what a miracle Harrison is and has been an encouragement just by knowing what she’s been through,” said Mrs. Rogers.

Harrison and his family were recognized at the April 2024 City of Bolivar council meeting. Like his cousin Mrs. King, Harrison too must continue regular care since receiving his donor heart.

“We follow up regularly with the transplant team at LeBonheur. He is also followed by neurology due to strokes and seizures,” said Mrs. Rogers.

The immediate joy of Harrison receiving a heart did not go without his parents feeling some guilt for the loss of the life of another family’s loved one.

“We felt like another family was having to lose their child for our child to be able to live. I think a lot of people think that people on the waiting list are ‘waiting’ on someone else to pass away so that they can receive their organs and that’s not true,” said Mrs. Rogers.” The family in need is simply taking advantage of something that was going to happen whether the dying person was an organ donor or not. I think more people don’t sign up to be organ donors because they don’t want to put their family through that.”

Fortunately, Mrs. Rogers has had the opportunity to see Harrison live because of someone’s decision to become an organ donor. She realizes it is a personal decision and hopes it is one all people consider. Mrs. Rogers also noted considering becoming an donor should not be a fearful time.

“It should be a time of joy, in a way, because you realize that you are helping another family in need. The saying ‘you can’t take it with you when you’re gone’ means a lot when you are an organ donor.” said Mrs. King.

Wanda King shared similar sentiments last year regarding the invaluable decision being an organ donor can make in the life of another person. She too encourages people to be organ donors.

“They could save someone’s life and be a hero to their recipients,” said Mrs. King.

Mrs. Rogers continued to share more reasons why someone should consider being an organ donor.

“You never think about the need for a lifesaving organ until you or your family member needs one. I never thought twice about putting that “red heart” on my license but now I know the importance. Being an organ donor can save so, so many lives,” said Mrs. Rogers.

Harrison, in all his little boy ways, is proof of a life that was saved because of an organ donation.

April is National Donate Life Month and Friday, April 12, 2024, is National Donate Life Blue & Green Day 2024.

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