Jill Connett was born on the 10th Wedding Anniversary of the woman who’s life she would eventually save. How you might ask? She gave Carole Pirri her liver on May 25th, 2003 after being involved in a car accident that left her with fatal injuries. Jill was 24 years old with a smile that could light up a room, had been a high school cheerleader, a recent graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and finishing her first year of teaching at Columbine Elementary School in Denver, Co. She was also adamant about being an organ donor and carrying the infamous red heart on drivers license. So when Melody Connett received the phone call that she had to take Jill off life support to save her organs, she knew she had to honor her daughters wishes. What she didn’t know, was that 4 years later she would meet the recipient, who was wearing a tee shirt with a picture of Jill on it at the Donor Dash 5k. The two woman hugged and cried for nearly an hour. Although a tragedy, the bond and friendship remain close. Carole and Melody travel speaking to groups of people to promote organ donation as well as join forces annually for the Donor Dash 5k. In 2005, Melody formed a team in honor of Jill called “Jill’s Fighting Snappers”. This year, Vuka got wind of this story and gathered a few people in our office to help support the cause. So keep your eyes out for us…we’ll be the ones in the navy turtle tee shirts and Tough Girl Tutus!
To learn more about becoming an organ and tissue donor, please visit www.DonorAlliance.org