Misidentification results in wrong 3-year-old boy's body harvested for organ donation after crash

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) - Exactly two years ago, an SUV ran off the road in Eagle Mountain, hitting and killing two 3-year-olds, Hunter Jackson and Odin Ratliff, who were playing in the sand with toy tractors in a round pen at Cedar Valley Stables.
On the second anniversary of their deaths, Hunter’s mom Brooke sat down with 2News Investigates to talk about a mix up in this case that made her son’s death even harder - as nothing else happened on her terms especially right after the tragedy.
MORE: kutv.com/news/2news-investiga...
#organdonation #crime
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[@Literallyarealhuman]

It’s more concerning that these organs came from possibly a different blood type than they are marked as.

[@miami-mishie]

My ex was an organ procurer and he says it's typed for compatibility again at the receiving end

[@jamiegallier2106]

Yeah, that was my main concern. Surprising how many people don’t think to donate organs. Feel for the family but unclear why mom is so upset about not getting special thank yous.

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

that's not something that gets overlooked, it's rechecked

[@shari9721]

@@jamiegallier2106 Exactly not only have/are those other families living with and dealing with an extremely sick child that is essentially dying while waiting for an organ and could die at any minute and getting an organ doesnt mean the child is suddenly healthy and that everything is fine and those people are now just sitting calmly at home with a healthy child but thin about how hard it would be to write such a letter "Im sorry that your child is dead but my child is alive because your child died so I want to say thank you , I just wanted to send this quick note in between constant doctor visits and trying to figure out how to pay for all the surgeries and hospital stays and doctor visits and medications and hoping my child doesnt reject the organ and die anyway ." Not to mention how hard and heartbreaking it must be to be thankful and grateful that another child died so that yours could have a chance to live , the amount of guilt that would come with that etc Knowing that 6 other children have a chance should be enough . When you give a gift , whether it is an organ or an xmas gift it is supposed to be given freely with no expectations or strings or demands .

[@songbirds3712]

@@jamiegallier2106 I agree about the mom. I don’t understand her anger. I do know they check blood type and organ suitability on both ends. What I am thinking, though, is that this donation went off the rails back at the initial type and cross. The organs harvested were sent to a recipient hospital based on Hunter’s type and cross, not Ian’s. Or maybe they had the same blood type. The information given is a bit sparse.

[@monicascott2354]

She might not realize that the recipients might not even KNOW who the donor was.

[@garylefevers]

Correct, chances are the recepionts don't have a clue where the donation comes from.

[@bunjijumper5345]

Well, they should bloody ask. Good Lord, stop being so small minded. These familles should put aside things and think of the people ;who are making things possible. Dropping a fcking card in the mail would take 5 minutes.

[@xoANichole]

@@bunjijumper5345that type of information is highly protected. There are instances where both parties know who the organ came from and who recieved it, but that’s rare. You can’t just ask for a name… Most of the time, the recipient hospital doesn’t even know who it came from. Names and dates of birth are all private information in healthcare.

[@NikkiNole]

​​@@bunjijumper5345 Sometimes even if you ask who donated their organs for you, the hospital is not allowed to tell you. My cousin received a heart and tried finding her donor's family and was only told what hospital the heart came from. I feel like even if this hospital knew & was allowed to tell, they wouldn't since the donation ended up being a mix up.

[@amysilwood7968]

95% of the time donor families and receivers have no clue who received or donated. It is to protect both families. Some ppl couldn’t handle knowing that the heart they just received came from a young person who was killed by a drunk driver.

[@garnetrose6162]

No one is entitled to someone else’s organs, hospital should be sued

[@fatonyalmitchell3281]

Not if training hospital 🏥😢

[@yadirab.c.615]

@@fatonyalmitchell3281 I am actually going to school for this and just finish a health law class. Even if the hospital is used for students that need to finish their residency, they are always monitored by licensed doctors. The patient should always be asked if they don’t mind students assisting. In addition the same laws, regulations and protocols are applied to them.

[@aminat65]

Then they can buy the boys new lives with the money that they win.

[@aminat65]

Then they can buy the boys new lives with the money they get.

[@eMDiKhamPha]

You should have seen my DMV when one is trying to renew driver license. There is no option to opt out; everything is on computer. I didn't like the mandatory organ donation; first page is donate organ (no option to select yes or no, just -next page-)

[@alisha8586]

This is disgusting this hospital should be held accountable.

[@songbirds3712]

It is a lot of things, but disgusting?? It resulted is several gifts of life, and in my book, that can never be disgusting.

[@alisha8586]

@@songbirds3712 it's disgusting when one they did it to the wrong child they didn't ask the parents for permission no one even gave this family a thank you for saving there lives your damn right that's disgusting

[@alisha8586]

@@songbirds3712 that's isn't the hospital or anyone else's decision to make end of story.

[@songbirds3712]

@@alisha8586 ummm, that is because there was an unfortunate mistake. You don’t seem to understand that.

[@songbirds3712]

@@alisha8586 sweetie, I decide “end of story”, not you! Seriously.

[@louderthanwordsInclusivity]

For the people who feel upset that the mom is upset-she didn’t DONATE this. So yes. When her child’s organs were literally stolen without consent, it’s understandable that she would need some form of confirmation of it being “for a reason”, which is why she maybe wanted a “thank you card” from something , not even the parents of the recipients, just to prove to herself that this was for a reason.

[@DawnKellyPhotography]

​@@sillyhatsonly71 it was strange to me when she was going on about thank you cards. Organ donations are often anonymous. It would be so weird to be like "Thank you for your son's heart valve." If they did know who the doner was, it would've been nice to give a phone call. But thank you cards is strange to me, like you get a thank you card from someone because you got them a housewarming gift.

[@eviltwinnancy4561]

@@DawnKellyPhotography Maybe she didn't know how organ donations work because she didn't intend on donating.

[@eviltwinnancy4561]

@@sillyhatsonly71 Are you serious? You think the mother is really just mad because she wasn't offered the honor of desecrating her son's body? You don't think permission was necessary if the donor wasn't adequate? You sound like a heartless, bitter bitch.

[@DefiantAngel87]

​@@sillyhatsonly71The point is she didn't willingly donate the organs. The least she could get was confirmation her pain helped someone.

[@hrobinson9701]

@@sillyhatsonly71 The father of the other child is the one who gave permission for the organ donation so apparently the other body WAS in condition to donate. Pretty delusional of you to claim this mother was "bitter" that she was not asked to donate as well. It's great that you would be at peace with this and that you would have liked to know that a piece of your child lived on in someone else but this woman has every right to feel the way she does.

[@buckeyehockey1979]

Donor identity is confidential unless both the donor family and the recipient agree. She should have been told that. What a horrible situation

[@undomiel152003]

And she may have been told, or not. We don't know, what's actually true is the station didn't do it either. Part of journalism is to investigate too. They could have relayed that information.

[@christinaburney5935]

They don't have to know who the donor was to write a thank you card. They can give it to the company that is the go between the patients and the hospital and they can send it to the parents.

[@coryhernandez508]

Not true, my ex girlfriend is a recipient and she was told the girls name how she died. But also that the family didnnt want to be contacted or bothered. So I don’t think they wanted it but cedar sanai in LA told her a lot about her. Major transplants like hearts can sometimes change personalities and even have memories from the donor in some rare times. Part of the body accepting the organ as part of it. Any minute the body can reject the organ and die.

[@christinaburney5935]

@@coryhernandez508 When it comes to hearts it make total sense to be told about the person first. They found our hearts have some cells like our brains do. And it makes total sense to me with how some people have died from broken hearts or when in emotional distress. Also, you would NEVER want the hearts of serious criminals or psychopaths. You wouldn't want the heart of violent and angry people either. You wouldn't want anything to do with those people or their personalities. Some people have even started playing music after a transplant when the donor was musical. You wouldn't want to pick up the traits of a serial killer. That is a terrifying thought.

[@wandamusictube]

@@christinaburney5935 you are not offered a selection of hearts.

[@Ram-dq1gq]

What’s more sickening… the state didn’t hold a criminal accountable. If he was in a cell, both boys would still be alive

[@kina8575]

This is what makes me the most angry about true crimes so many of the stories never would’ve happened if the monsters were kept in their cells. Instead of being free to criminal acts again.

[@estelleadamski308]

I'm on the other side. my son was in the navy stationed at Pearl Harbor aboard a submarine. He was 23 yrs. old and was re-enlisting. A routine blood test proved something was terribly wrong. He ended up having Auto-immune Hepatitis. He would die w/out a liver transplant. I was w/him at the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh awaiting a transplant and it never happened. So I sat alone w/my son for 6 hrs. and watched him die. The hardest thing I ever had to do, but, I was so glad I was there and he wasn't alone. You never get over the loss of a child, ever!

[@JasonSheppard-uy9ij]

So sorry😢

[@MsDee409]

So very sorry for your loss.❤

[@emsparamedic5183]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[@estelleadamski308]

U R kind, thank you!

[@estelleadamski308]

@@JasonSheppard-uy9ij Thank you. I miss him so much.

[@Bampitas74ps]

She’s not gonna get a thank you card. Most donations are private. Most recipients do not know where their donation came from.

[@veramae4098]

All the agencies involved could have sent cards ... and to call her over the phone was incredibly cold.

[@muttnjeff9030]

Yes. In 1986 and 1987 I received corneas to replace the ones in my eyes. I was told that organ donations are private, but I did have a sense of the people who donated them. Blessings to them and to their families who agreed to donate them. Here I am, 38 and 37 years later, still with the same corneas and I am still able to drive and read. Thank God and thanks to those who generously made it possible!

[@maritje4225]

@@muttnjeff9030thank you for sharing your story! My grandma was able to donate her corneas when she passed away at 85, it’s such a cool idea that 2 people are now able to see again and that the sight lasts for so many years! I hope you get to enjoy many more years of sight!

[@mzfitmama2361]

Legally the recipient and parents can write a generic card they give you when you have received an organ transplant. Most cases the family don’t want to hear from the donors.

[@sarinap.1636]

The interviewer treated Hunter's mom with such gentleness. It was good to see, usually news interviews seem tone deaf or insensitive.

[@itsfrankieg5816]

Yes I noticed she was so gentle ❤

[@katelynbrown98]

Why would she be insensitive? This isn't about something that the parent did. It's about a crime that happened to her aon.

[@itsfrankieg5816]

@@katelynbrown98 sometimes reporters don’t have sympathy and are just there to get the job done. This reporter went above and beyond

[@MSHoneybee210]

My nanny got a kidney from a young guy that died on a motorcycle, so she was able to see us grow up which was all she wanted. I don’t know if she was able to tell the person’s family, but when she told me she truly had tears in her eyes. To anyone who’s lost someone and that person helped others this way, thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@yourlifeisagreatstory]

I get the frustration, but why wouldn’t they have wanted organs to be donated, especially younger organs. My sister past away at 16yrs old, I think 8 people received her gift.

[@rebelamanda]

It just seems kind of crappy that she doesn't find any worth in the donation if she doesn't receive some recognition

[@angelictigerette]

I am a recipient of a kidney donation from a family who lost their child. My little cousin also passed and her parents donated every organ. A lot of families were blessed.

[@rosess5033]

This is disgraceful. Taking organs without consent is disgusting.

[@courtneyboudreau4284]

Horrendous

[@jennifertarin4707]

And illegal

[@WalkingOneLegAtATime]

And criminal

[@katelynbrown98]

It's actually a crime.

[@crystalrusmisel1832]

My sister saved 6 lives with her donated organs and when asked who received them we hit a wall. They aren’t allowed to tell either party they told us.

[@lisadempsey9259]

The horse looked so aware of this tragedy:(

[@sharongoodsell9341]

Yeah , the horse sure did , Heartbreaking, hugs to the mum ❤ Australian

[@zanelemofikoe4800]

It definitely was

[@jessicapearson9479]

Stop putting human emotions onto animals. The horse had no damn clue what was going on. It literally could care less!

[@sharongoodsell9341]

@@jessicapearson9479 your opinion ONLY 😠

[@rezotydnic]

​@jessicapearson9479 your opinion is just that. Yours. Keep quiet if you can't say anything kind. If the grieving parents or anyone else wants to believe what they believe, who are you to judge that? How horrible or miserable are you? Ps. You obviously are close minded, and have never been around horses much either.

[@mamasquatch]

Give her a little empathy. Imagine losing your child... She should get a thousand thank you cards, with hugs to boot. She needs them. Everyone grieves in different ways and im willing to bet when she isnt angry over a thank you card shes sobbing for her baby. Empathy goes a long way and so does kindness. Even mothers lose their grace sometimes. Who is anyone to judge. Bless her and her family. ❤

[@kina8575]

Absolutely, I couldn’t have said it better😢❤

[@Kt-cn2rq]

Black market organ what this feels like. How dare that hospital take those organs without parents consent.

[@flukeoutdrsy650]

It is wrong not to share where this took place. The hospital must beheld responsible. This is cruel!!!

[@mm-ln9sw]

i wonder if there’s pending litigation and that’s why they’re not saying it

[@VeeAmericanEagle]

“Theresa and Robert Ratliff, the mom and dad of 3-year-old Odin Ratliff, filed a lawsuit against the State of Utah, the Department of Corrections, Adult Probation and Parole, the Board of Pardons and Parole and Wasatch Behavioral Health.”

[@U-TubeAddict]

@@thy_call_me_karma8469it’s people’s individual choice on whether they want to donate or not. Dang dude, so judgmental

[@bunnicula3221]

​@@thy_call_me_karma8469 You're the one who's selfish. You're disrespecting a mother's choice to not donate her son's organs. No one in this world is entitled to receive organs transplant, especially not from a boy whose mother did not consent to this.

[@UkaSamuel-fd5nh]

​@@thy_call_me_karma8469 it's not selfish

[@patriciakelly2714]

My son is the proud recipient of a heart transplant which has saved his life. I’m sorry for this lady but I am soo great full for people who give their organs to help others. The recipients don’t always know who the donors are.

[@katluann]

It’s flat out selfish to not be an organ donor! Why embalm or creamate body parts that can help someone who is still breathing? It doesn’t make sense to me! Asking for a thank you card is just wild! That cheapens the child’s gift! I’m sure someday they may thank you!

[@mynameisworld]

Hopefully your donor was ASKED if they wanted to donate. This poor mom was NOT ASKED. They just took it.

[@catholicfemininity2126]

@@katluann It's tough. If I was grieving my child's loss I don't know how I'd react about a hospital making a mistake and taking his organs without even asking, but if it went on to help others, I'd be happy to know who they helped, but HIPPa might not allow it.

[@tansywelsh1636]

You should say what hospital it is. I think the public has the right to know.

[@jennifertarin4707]

I agree and also name the organ company. They are equally liable

[@williamparker7025]

the hospital deserves kudos for saving the lives of multiple children

[@TruthBeTold0914]

💯

[@user-uc5dm9bm7u]

Right…if they can make this mistake imagine what other mistakes they make. Not all hospitals are quality unfortunately

[@wandamusictube]

She probably got a financial payout and signed an NDA.

[@ladob2011]

My son is a bone marrow donor, he and I joined the registry at a Drive. He did a hip donation where 10 holes were made in each hip to extract the marrow. It is an hour and a half surgery roughly and a painful recovery. The recipient was a 10 year old leukemia patient who would die without it, my son was 23 at the time. We were told by the bone marrow registry that after a year, if both parties consented, we could meet or communicate. However that never happened as my son tried but he never heard a thing. I was upset as well, different circumstances I understand, but nothing we could do. I just couldn’t understand not reaching out to the person who saved your child’s life. My son, the smartest of us all, said mom I did what I needed to do and I’d do it again regardless if the outcome was the same. He did without expecting anything in return which is how it should be. I had people wanting to make into a big deal and he respectfully denied. He is very humble about the whole thing and doesn’t even bring it up unless asked. That’s how it should be which is do it for the right reasons and not because you expect something. I hope in time you can find some peace knowing your child helped others. I deep down know her family is thankful for what my son did because I know I would be.

[@aimeerebecca1]

As a mom, I totally understand your expectation or at least thought that they’d reach out. Your son went through a lot to help them!!! And if someone saved my child’s life, I would go to the ends of the earth to thank them and hope to repay them. So bizarre

[@ladob2011]

@@aimeerebecca1 it is very bizarre. I couldn’t imagine not trying to meet him but it’s whatever. He did a selfless and never expected a thing back. Very proud Mom moment.

[@Tmurph7100]

I don’t want this to sound wrong, but what if the person didn’t make it? They could be trying to cope with that and it’s consuming their every thought. 😞

[@jessicaolson490]

I was going to say this. You are assuming that the child survived. The child also if they are alive, would have suffered a lot of emotional trauma through the illness. Sometimes a child simply does not want to relive that trauma in any way. Even if it is to thank somebody that helped them. My daughter was seriously injured and spent a week in the ICU last year. I asked her if she wanted to make thank you cards to the nurses to help take care of her. She didn't want to, she appreciated the nurses but just making the cards was too triggering for her. You know that the recipient was a child so my guess is that the child either died, is deathly ill, or does not want to relive the trauma in any way.

[@michelleb7399]

I can tell you this… my son’s first bone marrow transplant donor, his best match, backed out at almost the last moment. We had to go with the second-best match, which was a woman who had had at least one pregnancy but rejected being a bone marrow donor and only would be a stem cell donor. We were grateful for this, as it did extend his life, but had he received the bone marrow donation from a male, especially a better-matched male, he would have a very good chance to be alive today. We never got to find out who his donor was as he passed away after 4 years of complications from the donation he received. So, I thank your son for going through with the painful, time-consuming donation. I wish more people would step up to do this.

[@susanegley4149]

Name and shame. Why are you protecting these entities?

[@Doyamn]

i am speculating but society gets violent now a days. Other patients at the hospital should not be effected by their negligence. They SHOULD sue them to kingdom come.

[@salemthorup9536]

It's in Utah, so it was likely Primary Children's, Shriner's or University of Utah.

[@jessicaolson490]

Because it was an accident and they don't need death threats.

[@iMatti00]

It’s kind of sickening that people want all the benefits of medical technology that other people have donated their bodies and their organs and everything for, yet they are so upset when you have to get a little bit back AFTER death. Sorry, but I don’t have any sympathy to give on this issue.b

[@Kt-cn2rq]

​@@iMatti00so you hate the mother. Bitch this might well be black market organ scheme. There a difference between offering to be a organ donor and not. To shame someone because they refused donate their childa organs is rude when they were murdered.

[@ILGuy2012]

Hearing this makes me wonder if someone at the hospital intentionally made the decision that Hunter was going to be a donor despite the parents' wishes.

[@Hatbox948]

It's like we no longer have rights anymore.

[@mindystorsin-erbele9680]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Maybe a more compatable blood type with the list at the time or maybe even harvested both and only had to explain 1 because the other was cremated... so sad but still there IS someone alive out there because they received the transplants so at least something beautiful came out of such a tragedy

[@thy_call_me_karma8469]

At least the organs are helping other not rotting 😔

[@fatonyalmitchell3281]

Of course they did 😢

[@Militarywidow]

This is a possibility. I have heard that if you are a donor, they would not give you the best care because they want your organs

[@wendylitton2752]

My child died when she was 16 months & we donated her organs, I couldn’t stand the thought of someone having to go through what I did. The hospital was for sure negligent, and the families both deserved more than an apology. The mom saying she’s upset she never got thank you letters is really sad, but a lot of these organ recipients feel terrible that someone died for them to get them & there is guilt. We never received letters from the 5 ppl who got my daughter’s organs, nor did I expect to. I empathize with her, but the organ recipients are not the ones who are at fault. It’s such a terrible situation all around. 😢

[@boriboy7]

I feel really sad for this Mom, but what she needs to realize is that it’s not easy to find a donor family. I’m a heart transplant recipient and I’ve been searching for my donors family for 3yrs. I know it may be hard to navigate, but whether a recipient thanks you or not, they’re 100% grateful. This is a second chance at life we’re talking about. WE DO want to find you and WE DO want to thank you, but it’s not as easy as one may think. Once we wrote the letter and send it to our transplant team/coordinator’s, it’s out of our hands. We have to trust and rely on our team to help make this happen. So far I’ve had no such luck, but I pray everyday and I thank God for my donor and their family.

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

She seems very selfish to me. She is not happy that even if she can't have her wish, someone else's loved one can be saved? No one should be forced, but I and my children are all donors.

[@bunnicula3221]

​​​@@user-ov4wr5yu4rYou're the one who's selfish, and a hypocrite. Just because you're generous, everyone else should be generous too? The "everyone are happy so you must be happy too" bullsht? She did not agree to donating her son's organs, that should be the end of this story, but the hospital staffs fcked up, disrespecting her choice.

[@Jenvlogs404]

The coordinators sets that up at the time of the transplant if they consent

[@samezidrovibes]

That’s great that you received a donation, but It doesn’t matter that it’s hard. It’s called body autonomy. Consent matters. Nobody is entitled to another person’s body and it’s nobody choice but the family. It’s not a selfish act to make a choice for your family or self, stop being entitled.

[@teewoods4886]

Nobodys entitled to her babies organs..that's her decision..this is insane to think that way

[@songbirds3712]

I am so sorry that this confusion and misidentification happened. It has caused pain and grief for Hunter’s family. The decision for organ donation is a very personal process. I pray Hunter’s parents will eventually accept the good that came from this mistake.

[@aminat65]

I think they are more concerned about getting money from the lawsuit thatn this.

[@songbirds3712]

@@aminat65 definitely!!

[@aminat65]

@Onyadyck Black. White. Everyone can be greedy

[@retiredcowboy]

@@aminat65or maybe they didn’t want their son's organs removed without consent first?

[@aminat65]

@@retiredcowboy The just want money.

[@alphaomega5909]

My beloved Mrs of 65 yrs is a recipient of a Kidney transplant. As regular,,an anonymous donation by a mans family. He was a young man died ftom a hunting accident. His mom n dad n famiky are ALWAYS in our families prayers. I know this mom n dad is grieving. Always will . And I cant understand. But I want them to know ,,its families like them that save LIVES. Thru their greatest tragedy.

[@mynameisworld]

Hopefully your donor was ASKED if they wanted to donate. This poor mom was NOT ASKED. They just took it.

[@alphaomega5909]

@@mynameisworld All we ever learned it was a young man, fell in a hunting accident near Detroit. We are in West . His pare made the finsl decision. Now Im not saying this specific case was handled so wrong. Bug I know from family experience Transplant Teams do their utmost best . For all. I wont come down on this Transplant team as though it was deliberately done.

[@queenstatus3049]

Despite the circumstances I’m glad someone was blessed with the donation.

[@courtneyboudreau4284]

It wasn't a blessing because they were stolen

[@Kt-cn2rq]

Exactly if someone got their organs and ever found out about it I am sure they feel horrible. This no better than black market organs that people steal.

[@melanie7781]

When someone is as soft spoken as this woman is, businesses like hospitals etc., can be a little cold, non responsive. I feel for her and her loss of a child. I am glad the organs were used to help people, however what she went thru is ridiculous. You are trying to grieve and bury your child.

[@sv4996]

Hospital sent them a "Oopsie Daisy" card.

[@YaYaPaBla]

That’s traumatic to begin with, to lose your child. Then this mix up just makes it hurt worse. This is suppose to be a persons choice. Not forced upon someone especially by mix up.

[@iMatti00]

It’s kind of sickening that people want all the benefits of medical technology that other people have donated their bodies and their organs and everything for, yet they are so upset when you have to get a little bit back AFTER death. Sorry, but I don’t have any sympathy to give on this issue.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

@@iMatti00your a fucking prick that does not need have kids. Until you lose one and get their organs taken without your concent keep your shitty comments to yourself.

[@WikWar]

​@@iMatti00nobody cares about your opinion or your lack of sympathy.

[@bluetomato8698]

We never received card for my brother donating his corneas. But it wasn’t necessary for us. We felt good that he helped others.

[@JessRare]

I guess when you give permission to donate it’s a little different. I think the real hurt stems from the hospital making this mistake and prob not letting those families know the truth behind it…is why she feels like a special thanks should have been given. I do agree to a certain extent though..just knowing my family was able to help others.

[@undomiel152003]

If the hospital were to tell the truth, the family itself would feel even worse about it. Let alone the kid. It may end up causing psychological stress to them to the point they break apart, or if the kid is over 18 end up with him turning to alcoholism or drugs. Since it means he is alive only through a mistake. It's why hospitals are not so quick to give that information even if it's life saving. People assume that just because you are saved, your psychological health will not be impacted. We already know that being saved in circumstances (such as those where others die around you, and you are spared or similar) result in traumas that cause deep wounds. Now the news station should have made a point about the family not being aware of who they received a donation from as well. Or shown the segment to the mother beforehand. News stations sometimes cut out pieces as well. I personally thought at first she meant the donors, but someone here indicated it could have been made toward the hospital. And while I don't think it is that way, clarification is important.

[@Minidoppler]

I’m sorry for your loss and to give the gift of sight to someone else through your loss is beyond amazing . Your words comes across as judgmental and unsympathetic. She literally had a piece of her child taken and given away without her permission. You don’t know her religious beliefs or how violating it would feel to have someone do such a thing and then be dismissive or lack compassion and empathy when bringing awareness to the hospital admitted their error.

[@aminat65]

They did not do it for love. They donated forr fame.

[@JessRare]

@@aminat65 who?

[@bunnicula3221]

Some people are delusional here. No one in this world is entitled to receive organs transplant, especially not from a boy whose mother did not consent to it. The boy's organs are robbed! The mother did not agree to donate his organs! Have some respect for the boy and the mother! If you think this is fine, then you're part of the "disrespecting others' choice and robbing them of that choice is fine" group.

[@Paula-ps1vi]

Wow this is upsetting and will discourage others from donating. My friends family received a letter from the donation team that gave a brief description of who received their daughters organs. It was a beautiful letter and I cried when I read it. The letter was sent promptly to her family. I feel for this family, this was not their intention to donate. I hope they are ultimately contacted and shown some appreciation they lose a child. Hopefully with this now being public possibly some of the donors will try to get information and maybe inquire about where their donation was received.

[@angelabrookes6326]

When my son passed away I got invited to a gathering of people and kids who got donors eyes and skin graft which was donated from my son I cried because I wasn't able to go but I sent my love up to heaven with a prayer that he helped someone ♥

[@Intrepid_Insomniac]

That’s unfortunate that you would discourage others to save lives because of one rare mistake.

[@Honeybee1975..]

So sorry this happened to you especially after the passing of your son. My condolences to you and your husband.

[@robingoforth5492]

I feel so bad for this mom. But i can imagine that the families that received her son organs probably did not think it was appropriate to send thank you cards. Not because they aren't thankful but because they know she is grieving. They are themselves going through the hardest things they have ever gone through. They have littles that have probably spent their whole life or at least most of it confined to one room with their child. While their child is hooked up to life-saving machines. Then, to find out that the valve that their child received was not meant to be taken, I'm sure it made them grieve also. Knowing that to save their childs life, another child lost their life. That would be a big battle for any parent. On either end of this. Prayers to all.

[@bunjijumper5345]

The least they could do is write a short note. It's been 2 fcking years.

[@er-ha]

@@bunjijumper5345 Depending on the hospital and/or donation company, it can be near impossible for recipients and even donor families to reach out to one another. It’s also worth noting that these procedures don’t always work-there is a chance that one or more of these recipients’ transplants was unsuccessful and the families were not in the mind to send a letter or card while mourning their own loss. A lot of recipients don’t reach out because of uncertainty; there are absolutely families who are not happy that their loved one has decided to donate their organs. And even when they are proud that the same has happened, how could the recipient know? They don’t know whether reaching out will reopen a wound that has maybe started to heal. Sometimes recipients also wait for the donor family to make contact first, almost as if waiting for permission/a sign that they are in a place for communication. The opposite is true, too; sometimes the donor family doesn’t reach out even though they would like to, or thinks that it may be hard on the recipient. It’s easy to judge when you are not living in the situation. It’s also easy to feel lost, upset or similar being IN the situation, though, and there should probably be some changes in how communication between donors/recipients is hashed out.

[@taylorfrink1182]

@@bunjijumper5345 while it would be nice yes it just isnt fair to ask of someone in their situation either. and oftentimes recipients arent even given the information of the donors, and even when the info is given you just never know how people are grieving and how they will react, like if it would just make it worse to receive a card 2 years after the fact . some people would see "a short note" as awfully trivial. everyone responds to death differently and even 2 years out the recipients could still be recovering and needing to focus on their health too thus not ready to confront this grief of their own knowing their organ came from a child who was taken so young

[@tracy3418]

@@bunjijumper5345they probably don't even have the donor's information.

[@Mikewee777]

This is disgusting. Apologies are not enough. They should sue.

[@ells80]

If an apology isn’t enough, a thank you card isn’t either.

[@aminat65]

Then the parents can buy a new life for the kids they lost.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

​@@aminat65you really cruel no parent deserves your shit

[@TheLittleLambTalks]

This mom is in grief because she lost her young child. It’s not so much about the “thank you” she isn’t ready to move on from the tragedy and this gives her something to hang her hat on for a while.

[@janeclayton151]

It is obvious this mom and family are hurting and grieving beyond belief, I really hope they can find peace and comfort that their child's organs have potentially saved others from the same fate. If you have ever thought about being an organ donor I hope you do decide to be so generous because it is so precious to help or even save someone else from a similar fate. Sometimes the donors are kept confidential for privacy sake also.

[@madjack8893]

The recipients of the donations are not always told where they came from. They might very well want to reach out but cannot get your information.

[@Volundur9567]

This. How foolish of her to run at the mouth with such nonsense. She should know this. Nope, she gonna make the recipients out as selfish people.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

​@@Volundur9567You are not bright at all. That is not true. If this ever happened to me with one my kids I would sue the hospital since I did not give consent. I would never sue the one receiving it since they didn't know.

[@user-uc5dm9bm7u]

@@Volundur9567maybe she would have known if the hospital actually did their jobs, but they fucked up big time and just stole her sons organs instead. I don’t know why people feel the need to go up and bat for these million dollar corporations, because let’s be real- in America, the medical systems top priority is to make a profit. But thank god you are here to deepthroat these people who put profit over humanity.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

My sincere condolences to the families of Hunter and Odin. I don't know if Hunter's mother, Brooke, would derive any comfort or insight from a slightly different point of view. My brother-in-law was a doctor on a heart transplant team for 18 years before he finally burned out on it and transferred out (that's an unusually long time--most transplant team members burn out much faster). From dealing with the families of transplant candidates (many of whom died before they were ever matched--burn out city), he said it was very common for those who received transplants to feel very conflicted about it. They were overjoyed to be alive but also sad, knowing that their life came at the expense of someone else's death. Adult recipients felt a little less conflicted because they received hearts from adult donors but the families of young children were usually intensely uncomfortable and conflicted. It wasn't unusual for them to deal with it by... not dealing with it. In much the same way that many people avoid talking about a pregnancy loss with someone who has suffered one or other death. It doesn't help that in the US, organ donation is an opt-in situation rather than an opt-out situation. It makes organ donation an unusual choice and one that very few people actively think about.

[@garylefevers]

Well said.

[@22lyric]

Many adults in the US can't even manage to get a driver's license. And all the people who speak English. I'm sure there would be opposition to the opt-out policy.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

@@22lyric In other countries, organ donation decisions are not tied to one's driver's license or ID. If an individual decides to opt out of organ donation or is disqualified from organ donation (they have certain diseases such as cancer or blood borne diseases or whatever), they carry a separate card to indicate their status as well as being part of a central registry.

[@FVWhimsy2010]

I'm a designated organ donor, when that time comes. Losing any loved one is devastating. IMO, it's beyond sad that on top of sudden tragedy...so many others slowly die, while so many lifesaving organs are simply destroyed.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

@@FVWhimsy2010 one of the great disappointments of my life, when I contracted hepatitis B in a hospital (they actually even figured out which patient I contracted it from but could only pin it down to one of five potential staff members who acted as the go-between) was that I became ineligible as an organ donor. Same thing for cancer patients--my late husband died of cancer and he was very sad that he could not be an organ donor. Cancer sucks in so many ways. I guess I just don't understand why so many people don't want to be donors. My personal belief is that once the part of me that thinks, that feels, that loves and cares for others is gone, what is left behind is useless to the essence of me--so why not give what can be used to someone who is still alive? Bring joy as the last act of your life or the first act of your afterlife?

[@juliebarnett9812]

This is horrendous.

[@kellylestig4941]

I want to personally thank you for the donations that your son gave to help save other peoples lives. I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I feel your pain. I lost a child myself. All I can tell you is that time heals and it will get better. God bless youand your beautiful son

[@annehedonia156]

When? When does it get better?

[@hrobinson9701]

@@annehedonia156 It is said that time heals all things, which is BS, but the pain does fade with time, so long as you are not actively trying to keep the pain alive.

[@salemthorup9536]

​@hrobinson9701 time doesn't heal all. I don't understand why people say this. Grief has it's own way.

[@hrobinson9701]

@@salemthorup9536 People often say it because "it's just something that's said in these situations" but really means they cannot relate to the pain but still feel they have to say something because they are uncomfortable being near that kind of pain. Others say it to make themselves feel like they are part of the healing when, again, they likely cannot relate to the pain.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

​@@salemthorup9536exactly people grief differently. Some keep it inside some contantly crying show raw emotion. This never blame one getting the organs but suing the hospital yes since they messed up.

[@ms.marciasweebeeschannel354]

The picture of the boys hugging each other is absolutely beautiful. I imagine them continuing their beautiful friendship in heaven together. May God bless them and their families.

[@drattheluck4548]

Aren’t donations anonymous? I always understood they were. No one would know who to thank

[@TheLittleLambTalks]

Yes. Only the hospital knows the donor and they give the recipient a blank card to write on and we can either fill it out and express our gratitude or we can just move on. The hospital gives the card to the donors family… but we never know who the donor was….

[@TeraLee..]

This is absolutely horrifying!!! I am a nurse in the OR that is involved in organ donation cases and I could not even imagine this happening. My heart breaks.😢

[@This-Is-My-Little-Corner]

I can’t imagine being upset about not getting a thank you card because you saved their lives with a donation. That’s insane to me. Really? That seems so petty with something so massive. You know what I mean? Donors don’t normally know where they came from especially with children.

[@blossom30x4]

I don’t think people know who or even where the organ comes from.

[@robinmeadows4758]

The recipients wouldn’t have known who the donated corneas or heart valves came from, nor would they have been given your address or other personal info. Why would you expect “Thank You” cards? Isn’t the fact that your son’s unfortunate death helped others in the long run enough? I signed for my mother to be a donor and my license is marked that I am a donor. No thanks necessary if I can help someone else have a better or longer life.

[@cmthomas07]

Not everyone feels the same way.

[@hrobinson9701]

You made that choice, this mother did not. You don't expect a thank you because you have already decided that organ donation is important to do. This mom did not get a choice, she did not even get a real apology - oops, sorry, do you want us to put everything back? is NOT an apology - so I can understand why she feels some sort of thank you would be helpful. I hope a few recipients of other organ transplants reach out to her to make her aware of the anonymity involved as well as to assure her that the donations she allowed to go forward will have been most gratefully received.

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

Yup. Me and my kids, too. The body is of no use after death. It doesn't contain the soul. Just help others to save their loved ones.

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

​@@hrobinson9701True. No one should be forced, but now that it happened, does she begrudge someone's loved one being saved?

[@user-uc5dm9bm7u]

@@cmthomas07especially since they didn’t even get a choice in the first place. The organs were just taken without consent. Why do people miss this pivotal fact? Purposely obtuse if you ask me

[@latebloomer7191]

Losing your son is the saddest thing. My heart breaks for you. Please share more about how this went. I worked in organ translation for years, and there are many steps that have to occur before an organ is recovered and transplanted. Every state has one or more organ recovery agencies, all of which are contracted through the government and must comply with very specific rules. Every hospital that peeforms transplant surgeries must be a member of the national agency that matches organs to those on the waiting list. Have you worked through a legal process to hold the responsible parties accountable? You and your husband deserve full closure on who is responsible. It won't change what happened for you, but it has a purpose. You're speaking out for a reason.

[@lucilletorres5989]

I donated my kidney. The recipient - now my ex-husband - still expresses his gratitude. Time to do better

[@Lizs.Tallent]

This is absolutely disgusting and Rude not to appreciate such a huge kind gesture 😡 The hospital not compassionate. My doctor told me go to ER get an X-ray on my hip. I payed in ER for 6 hours when they confused me with another patient. They admitted me with the other patient’s chart. The hospital staff told me I was crazy and acting like a doctor because they wouldn’t do what I was there for. They had no idea until the next morning when I went crazy on this hospital. I called hospital administration to find out what the hell they did. Thats when I got the other patients chart. I walk out and didn’t sign a thing. NO I’m sorry from the hospital I just I needed to sign my release Hahaha NO WAY!!!!!! I miss the happy, kind, polite days!! This country is so heartless anymore. I miss the days of my neighbors and I helping each other with our children. They would borrow a cup of sugar, have block parties. New people have moved in and won’t say hello or look up. I say hi and then I get a look like I’m crazy. No manners of THANK YOU or EXCUSE ME. Mean minded, disrespectful people. I give 20% are still beautiful minded in my area. It really does feel good to be kind if anyone is wondering 🙄

[@cece7biz]

You should have reported and sued the hospital to hold them accountable. If it happened to you it's happening to other people. Incompetent hospital

[@Jesusandcoffee3382]

You should identify the hospital that did this! They are the ones who made this mistake!

[@Kt-cn2rq]

I think they can. Sure have keep it quiet to be able to sue or if they fail they be charged with defamation. When they win sure they will say who they were. I would

[@aminat65]

@Kt-cn2rq suing proves that they car more about money than the children. When they won they should at least buy them a new life.

[@JaymeeAngell222]

Remember even if the parents don't send you s thank you that little boy recirving organ transplant will be forever grateful and you have to know that.

[@Volundur9567]

Recipients don't typically get access to donor information. Usually, it's the family of the donor that can initiate contact.

[@yemx5253]

Bullshit you would think that someone got second chance of life due to a lost of another would show gratitude. It just goes to.dhow how selfish individuals are in America. Something so simple could have made this mother happy

[@SpringfieldKakaruk]

My husband died 2 hours after my husband. My twin son died the day of his funeral. Then his brother was hit by a drunk the morning of the first twin's funeral. I ran away at 8 from horrific abuse. I didnt find my husbsnd until almost 50. To loose them all in 6 days and have to choose to unplug my last breathing family ..I still chose the gift if life from my last son before he was unplugged. I never asked for names.. or a thankyou. I knew the cost of terminating my son meant other families had a chance to have more Christmases, more babies, more love. Im greatful for finally having been loved even if so late in life and only for a little while. Rest in Peace my beloved Jimmy, RayJay and Jaybird as well as my loyal partner K9 Springfield.

[@hrobinson9701]

It would be key to remember that YOU got to make this choice. This mom didn't. The hospital misidentified the children, apparently repeatedly, and took the body parts from the wrong child. I suspect her comment about not being thanked stems more from her unresolved trauma of losing her son and then losing her choice, as well as a very poor response from the hospital. "Oops, sorry - do you want us to put everything back? Do you have any questions?" does not do anything to fully acknowledge the mistake that was made or the gift that mom apparently allowed, since the organs had already been removed.

[@alauber1741]

You had 2 husbands? You should include 'developing into a pathological liar' some time in your life to your list.

[@phexi419]

@@alauber1741Wow. You’re awful.

[@lindamaemullins-wr1jg]

Ok

[@cinnamoslut]

I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. That is truly awful. Unimaginable. Thank you for choosing such a selfless gift of organ donation. I hope you find peace and love again.

[@Mountinedew]

The hospital and organ donation place are at fault and should be sued to the fullest. I am so sorry this family is going through this.

[@dorothydecesare1607]

For the hospital to mix up bodies is inexcusable. For the hospital to make this error with two precious little boys is heartbreaking. For the hospital involved to not own up to their mistakes and attempt in some way to make amends is shameful. There is a big push to the point of guilt trip for grieving relatives to donate loved ones’ organs, imo. And, yes I do understand what these gifts can mean for recipient families. I understand that there is a policy of not revealing names of donors and recipients… however, why is there not something quite simple in place where a recipient family can send on thanks or expressions of gratitude and sympathy to the donating families thru a neutral third party? Seems like a no-brainer to me. To the parents of these two wee lads, I wish to extend my sincere condolences….🌹🙏❤️🙏🌹

[@hrobinson9701]

A few commenters have noted that receiving an organ donation from a small child can leave the recipient's parents feeling very conflicted. On one hand they are so grateful that their child received what they needed but it means that someone else lost their own child and is now grieving. A simple thank you is not enough but what else can you say. When you add in the anonymity that is built into the organ donation system, it combines to make it difficult to communicate one's gratitude. Given the way the hospital handled everything else, it's possible that one or more thank you messages were sent to them but those message were not forwarded to this mom.

[@JaymeeAngell222]

Thats absolutely horrifying to me.

[@Emie8230]

Why not say the hospital's name?! Ridiculous! Plus they are alive when they take out organs, so I would be fuming and sue them to closure!

[@Joy21090]

The person is not alive when the organs are removed.

[@kayleslielouise1180]

What a kind reporter. Her mannerisms in the interview with the mother definitely shows what kind of person she is.

[@autumnfall8829]

My daughter received a liver transplant and we weren't told who the donar was. You can't just get in touch with donar families. There is a process and the families have the option to stay anonymous.

[@welcometomysecret6423]

I feel this mothers heartbreak but no one expects a thank you card for this

[@Momofboys1225]

I would feel so good knowing that my boy lives on and gives life to another. I know it hurts. But a part of him is still here.

[@pdig2963]

I wish I was able to donate my daughter's organs but unfortunately she was a drug addict and they couldn't take them 😢 forever 42 RIP Carrie Lynn 1981-2023

[@songbirds3712]

May Carrie Lynn’s soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God Rest In Peace. Amen.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@erinnorwood6124]

😢

[@kpstl26]

Maybe there were other addiction related health issues she had or related to how she passed, but tons of addicts donate their organs. It has actually been an unintentional "upside" to the opiate epidemic. Many people who overdose are able to donate their organs.

[@cinnamoslut]

​@@kpstl26yes, I heard recently that something like >80% of deceased donors under age 35 are drug overdose deaths. Sad 'upside' to the overdose crisis.

[@celestejohnson9227]

My heart aches for both these grieving families. This mother is also grieving the fact that her son’s body parts were harvested without her knowledge or permission. While the gift of life is a noble act of love for other recipients this family has to live with a second trauma and she’s entitled to every single emotion without judgement from others.

[@maritzazaragoza2589]

So sorry for your losses My father received a liver transplant from a young man who died in a motorcycle accident and thats all he was told even though he asked for more personal details and he was told they were not allowed to give that information.

[@antiafrosvengalis]

Why do the story if they're not naming the hospital or donor agency? It makes no sense and negates the entire purpose of doing the story.

[@songbirds3712]

How so? Why do you need to know the name of the hospital? Why would the name of the hospital affect how you feel about the mistake?

[@bloodlove93]

maybe if your only goal was to harass or assault the individuals involved... otherwise no,those are just fine point details that change nothing for the majority of people, if your concerned however just know any hospital can have this happen and even if you insist on another, just gonto a state other than wherever this was shot,generally people don't leave the state for hospitals especially birth and death things. either way you're just fine not knowing unless you're admitting to being like jefferfy dahmer....only people like him would find that crucial information.

[@songbirds3712]

@@bloodlove93 well said!

[@WitnessingTyranny]

That's the terms of the press pass lie. It keeps tyranny alive. Free press is the real press.

[@scarlettmasin1204]

And why do you need to know? The story is still there.

[@jennifercaragianakos3075]

I hope one day that you can find some healing knowing Hunter helped save six lives. Organ donation is really the most selfless gift. Right now you are still in so much pain which is expected ❤

[@marcyking461]

This is such a heartbreaking story, it's hard to hold back the tears. I can't imagine losing my 'baby'. Hopefully Hunter & Oden are playing together on the other side. My deepest condolences go out to anyone who loses a child. May these two children RIP.

[@user-fq2wy2fk5r]

The thank you letters from my dad's organ donation (after he passed young and suddenly) really helped get us through an incredibly painful time. It was nice to know that there were fewer families suffering that otherwise would have been in our shoes. Heaven forbid you ever have to recieve a donor organ, but if you do-please, please write the letter. It really can help a family survive.

[@pdig2963]

The hospital needs to pay for their mistake ,but at the same time thank god your son saved other children 🙏

[@nancyfarkas3592]

except she never agreed that that.

[@bunjijumper5345]

What a way to guilt her! You have no right to push that on someone else.

[@Paula-ps1vi]

⁠@@bunjijumper5345 the thing is the hospital should of approached them when it became clear their child was not going to make it. The family may have ultimately decided donation was right for them. They weren’t given that time to process it anyway. They weren’t given the dignity to have anything explained. I would like to think ultimately the family would have agreed to the donation and felt good about it. I only hope now that those that received these organs will see this story. Hopefully with the timing of their donations they might think maybe that was the family that they received the organs from. On the other side of the coin if I received an organ I be doing everything I could via the donor program to express my gratitude to the family of the donor. I am biased because I’m a big advocate for organ donations. If I can save a life when I do I hope my organs will be viable.

[@Paula-ps1vi]

Humm I still can’t understand how this happened. I wonder if the donation procurement took place at the hospital their son passed. Often the donors are flown to another location to have their organs donated. So many questions need to be answered to this grieving family, they deserve to know.

[@hrobinson9701]

@@Paula-ps1vi I agree that it is unbelievable that the bodies were mixed up but I have never heard of flying the body of a donor to another hospital. The organs are harvested at the hospital where the individual died and are then transported in containers designed to preserve tissue as long as possible.

[@yansfor5306]

I wouldn't donate. It is illegal to sell your own organ, but you can "donate" it so hospitals can charge out the as* for those same organs. Those organ donations are not free and im sure if people jad more choice on their own body. Some will do it for free and some will do it at an affordable price compared to a hospital. People need money to survive in this economy too.

[@emaulinecox5543]

They were negligent in every degree. Every patient alive or deceased are to be identified by three different factors and clarified over and over in each room. Every “professional “ those papers were passed to and every room his little body went through failed Period. I hope they’re held accountable. Also I pray God place peace in these parents that surpasses all understanding, the recipients of organs harvested prove abundantly more than anyone could imagine. I’m so sorry for your alls pain.

[@marikiemarie7622]

A recipient isn't required to send a thank you. They typically don't know who to thank

[@carol2336]

This us no way legal, why is this going on. Sickness 🤢🤯. No one wants this suffering.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

The hospital should be named. This is a horrible incident and the public should be made aware. My heart goes out yo the families.

[@songbirds3712]

You are overreacting!!

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@songbirds3712 - zip it! What if it were your child?

[@undomiel152003]

@@grumpyoldlady_rants If it were my child, they would have been the other child in the story. Since I actively agree with donation of organs and am a donor myself. Which means I'd be mad that my child has his organ in plastic bags from a funerary home rather than being used to save other children.

[@ColorMeHoppy]

​@@grumpyoldlady_rantspeople who are okay with the hospitals actions are nuts. It's not your son, it's not your family, you do NOT have the right to do whatever you want to people's bodies for whatever "greater good" bull. How much did the hospitals and organizations make from the donations? If I can correctly recall, this wasn't pro bono.

[@pamcakes65]

I love the compassion of the interviewer. Thanks for handling this grieving parent with tenderness.

[@21truthbetold]

The 6 people he saved might not even know where their donations came from; especially if they have a donation from an error. The company probably won’t inform them.

[@GodsSparrowSpeaks]

VERY compassionate interviewer. 🕊💝💐 God heal the mamas and family

[@tacitusromanus8239]

She should have sued. This is inexcusable .

[@shannonreynolds8182]

That hospital needs to be named and held accountable. They need to sue that hospital as well. They were so callous and cold after they misidentified those boys more than once and STOLE his organs, disgraceful. NAME THE HOSPITAL!!!!

[@suroyaanjum1801]

This is absolutely someone's responsibility

[@bluemoon2675]

Why won't you say which hospital? That's kind of important. Why? Cause you didn't explain why.

[@bloodlove93]

in every organ donation thing I've heard about, the writing to donors families is entirely optional, some are young and told not to, some are uncomfortable and nervous, some aee guilty etc etc, theres many reasons people won't write for years if ever,that's just how it is, you don't donate to demand compensation, you donate because you hope that a life cut short can help prolong another.

[@samanthacrump1976]

I thought it was weird that she’s so angry over a thank you card.

[@-MaryPoppins-]

Right, and donation implies consent. Which they did NOT give before they’d started taking that boys organs.

[@adelechicken6356]

​@@samanthacrump1976I wonder if what we see as anger is what is her breaking point, too great a loss for her to handle. I don't have children, but I have had losses, including my husband of 40 years. For a long time I felt very fragile, like a thin glass vase and any thing that was hurtful made me feel like I might break into a thousand pieces. I wasn't angry, or even terribly sad, just fragile. Listening to this grief stricken mother talk and her body language, I feel that she is barely hanging on.😢❤❤

[@samanthacrump1976]

@@adelechicken6356 that makes sense.

[@undomiel152003]

@@adelechicken6356 It's her lack of resignation. She's still wanting the child to remain untouched essentially. But she's seen the world through just her lenses, without taking into consideration that he saved lives. She doesn't want to accept it. So she made the last bit. that she doesn't feel like much good came out of it.

[@annikabjornson998]

As a person in a support group for those who are waiting for transplant and recovering afterwards, there is uncertainty as to how soon to send those thank you letters. People agonize over whether they’ll just make the donor’s family crash and burn, instead of being glad someone is doing much better due to their donation. It’s a very difficult, painful thing.

[@flysbyherownwings_]

If I received such a gift, I don’t know that I would stop at a hospital telling me no, they won’t tell me. For me, it would be a life’s mission to be able to thank someone’s family and to have them know what a gift they gave.

[@cinnamoslut]

Some people don't want that though. It's important to respect privacy on both sides if that's what one wants.

[@lipstikknleathr]

"What Do You Remember the most of your son"? "Out of everything that you miss, what most do you missed"? Why not release the name of the Hospital? Do they donate a lot of money to the news station for running their ads? The most ridiculous Questions & Comments by The Reporter

[@songbirds3712]

Wow!

[@sland6428]

Godmn can that mother get a break already? My heart aches for her 😞😞😞😞

[@branevans3705]

Omg WTF?! 😢 If that hospital could make that error with already-deceased children, they could've done that with a child still technically alive, but hooked-up. So careless and completely lacking empathy. Organ donation is supposed to be a living and ongoing gift of life to another person. Instead, because of the malpractice and total carelessness of the hospital and the donor company, it's an ongoing nightmare. I sure hope and pray the families find some peace. So sad. Awful 😢

[@MSKIMISTRY6Z]

Im a mom that lost my son. The pain is unbearable 5 years later. I do believe that the mom has some displaced anger. To be angry at the transplant recipients because they didnt say thank you is ridiculous. 9x outta 10, its anonymous...so they CANT say thank you. Furthermore, who's to say that they are still alive?

[@cm1642]

In the face of their tragedy, theres the news reporters to open wounds.

[@tiffanythomas82]

Sue this hospital....just wrong very wrong😢

[@barbaragremaud3499]

This reporter used exactly the right words and tone in her interview. Such a difficult situation requires excellent and compassion, and she demonstrated both.

[@thinline8504]

bro he's already dead.. like okay .. just move on with the organ donation at this point..

[@snowps1]

You "donate" your loved ones organs, which the hospital then sells to the transplant patient and their insurance company. Nobody gets an organ for free. The hospital sells the donated organs and make tens of thousands of dollars on them. They make it out that you're being so altruistic and helping out a needy person, meanwhile they're selling the donated body parts to transplant patients behind the scenes.

[@OutdatedGalaxy]

This is what bothers me about it all. Whose to say that I am not worth more dead than alive if I have that heart on my drivers license. I want to be an organ donor but I do not want to be harvested for my organs.

[@Hatbox948]

They also keep bodies alive during the donation procedure. You can't transplant dead organs. So your child, wife, husband, etc., is alive while having their heart, lung, liver, etc., surgically removed.

[@Alisha-ym6iv]

Sedated and on a machine. When they remove organs to keep blood circulating. Yes. It's true. I don't know that the person would feel or be aware of the situation.

[@cinnamoslut]

​@@Hatbox948they are brain dead. That's not really the same as being alive. Without the machines and medications, the rest of the body will shut down.

[@cxg174]

This is tough and hard to imagine that it could happen. Things are bar coded now. All armbands are checked. It just seems so far-fetched. I do not know if I could consent either. My child's organs. As much as it could help another, I am just not sure I could do it either. Everyone has to do what is right for them. Both families did not get to do what was right for them. Very sad. RIP little ones. I hope you are playing together as you wait for your families.

[@Mariagj34]

That lawsuit should also include the hospital

[@msbee5183]

Another thing, people are healing. People donate organs everyday, you only hear of a couple thank yous. Seriously, look to god. Hes thanking you. Those 6 people thank your son every blink, every breath. You may not get a piece of paper saying thank you but your son gets them everyday. Seek gods peace.

[@nancyfarkas3592]

you miss the point! They did NOT consent to his organs being donated.

[@undomiel152003]

@@nancyfarkas3592 It doesn't matter. The organs are already in others. At some point one has to put the big girl pants on, and resign yourself. And at least look at the positive. That the organs saved XYZ people. Instead she's expecting thank yous. Some donations do not contain the actual person's name. FYI. So the families may not know. Other than that, some people find it distasteful to basically send a thank you with pictures of someone that's alive because your family member died. Which is to some seen as bragging. The one that she can invoke her passion on is the hospital. Instead she's angry at even the people that the organs were donated to. Children that were dying. Give me a break. It's selfish. There. Selfish.

[@songbirds3712]

@@undomiel152003 exactly! People are getting so stuck on the “they didn’t have permission to “cut” this child open”. I am so puzzled by the number of people who are uneducated about organ donation. The transplant team had removed the aortic valves when they learned of the mistaken identity. I was so sad they did that, and glad that Hunter’s parents said no. I hope those aortic valves were still viable for transport because at that point whoever was receiving the valves already knew that their life saving surgery was going to happen.

[@juliebarnett9812]

That's not comforting at all. Sorry. I know you mean well.

[@juliebarnett9812]

​@@undomiel152003Your pontificating is repulsive.

[@KristieHodgemire]

How heartbreaking 💔

[@kayakkim]

That's sad in several ways. Yes, every donated organ recipient should be extremely grateful & share with mom. But it's sad mom focuses so hard on that part because we all know humanity isn't kind. I got a huge allograft and most certainly wrote a deep heartfelt thank you note to the family ! My surgeon had better options for my surgery because of that kind family.

[@kathybuffington4883]

Some donors have a hard time dealing with the fact that someone died so they could live and don’t send a letter to the donor family. Unfortunately for the donor family they don’t get to hear how thankful the recipient is and how the donation has impacted their lives.

[@screechingwind114]

"We are not identifying the hospital"