Tyrone Brisby

Tyrone and Dee Brisby have formed a lasting bond with Tyrone’s donor family, united by gratitude and a shared mission to honor the Gift of Life.

After Tyrone received a heart transplant at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, he and Dee connected with the family of his donor, 14-year-old Kyle Rodger, who saved five lives through organ donation after a tragic accident.

The two families now come together each year to celebrate Kyle’s life and keep his legacy alive. Through the years, they have met in Florida, Tennessee and Vermont, where Kyle was born and laid to rest.

“The first time we met my donor family was very emotional,” Tyrone said. “There was a bond created at the first meeting, and they became extended family.”

Inspired by Tyrone’s transplant journey, the Brisbys and their entire family are now registered organ donors, including their children and grandchildren.

“I want to keep my donor’s legacy alive,” Tyrone said. “If you can save someone’s life, why not?”

For Dee, witnessing Tyrone’s transplant journey transformed organ donation from an idea into a personal mission.

“Once Tyrone got sick and someone saved his life, then I understood it,” Dee said. “I can do that for someone else.”