CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two years ago, a 19-year-old man from the North Carolina mountains died in a car crash. But because of Connor McLane’s death, several people’s lives have been saved.
McLane was an organ donor and his liver went to a Charlotte man.
On Sunday, Bob D’Amelio got to meet McLane’s parents virtually and thank them.
“Almost hard to put into words how to say thank you for the gift but it needs to be said,” D’Amelio said.
D’Amelio had liver disease in 2017. He was fighting for his life, waiting for an organ to become available.
“You try to stay positive but the thought of my wife and kids having to go on without me was one thing,” he said.
The liver came from McLane from Franklin, North Carolina, who died in a car crash in 2019. D’Amelio recently sent a letter to his parents and on Sunday, they met on a video call.
“It makes it more tangible more real. You feel that connection," said the donor’s family.
McLane’s parents said they have met a few recipients of their son’s organs.
“From our grief from our loss it actually brings us joy and a blessing that we never could have imagined,” the donor’s father Charlie McLane said.
Because of McLane’s life, D’Amelio now has a second chance at his life.
“He gave the gift of life and for that we are eternally grateful to him and his family,” he said.
Both families hope people who hear McLane’s story will consider being an organ donor. And that this story of connection will inspire others to connect as well.
“Don’t feel bad that someone had to die for you to be able to have life. We wanted to hear your story as much as you would want to meet us,” the donor’s mother Cindy McLane said.
McLane’s mother said they have a goal to meet everyone who received one of their son’s organs, and bring everyone together for a big party.
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