Deep thanks to Bryan Marquard and The Boston Globe for writing this beautiful tribute to Caitlin, and publishing it on the front page today: Caitlin O’Hara, who brought compassion to others while she sought a transplant, dies at 33
Caitlin’s death was ultimately caused by her too-long wait. The surgery itself was technically easier than the surgeons had anticipated. That part had gone very well. Her problems were all caused by having been on life support for too long. If she had received those perfect lungs earlier, there would only have been a happy story to tell.
One of the most important lessons that can come out of this tragedy is how vital is the need for organ donor awareness. In lieu of any flowers or gifts to us, please register today to be an organ, tissue, and cornea donor. (The DMV “organ donor” sticker is not enough.) And please help to dispel the wrongheaded myths about donation. Organ allocation is one of the most tightly-regulated and ethical institutions in the country. Register as an organ donor
9 Lives Notes 
It is a wonderful article. I will definitely register to be a donor and I think I have already learned much about the system and will make sure I do it right. Thank you so much for continuing to write as it helps me to learn more about Caitlin, you and your family. I have a daughter who is twenty six and so I understand your love and know your loss is enormous and will always be; I hope that is ok to say. You are incredible and have an incredible daughter. My heart goes out to you all and wish I could just wrap my arms around you and give you a hug. Wishing you love and peace. I love the photos of Caitlin that you are sharing. She truly lived her life despite her illness.
Still reading, absorbing, thinking (about her), trying to make some peace with this which right now I can’t, so please keep writing so I can hear you breathing.
Amazing. I’m just so sorry this happened.
I am so sorry this beautiful spirit is no longer where you can see and touch her, but rest assured she will always be part of your lives and that ball of sad you are carrying around in your stomach will disappear. When you lose a child, there is a physical pain that never goes completely away, but it does get easier. We thank God for the number of years that we had our wonderful child, I had mine for 28 years, wonderful laughter, love filled years and I treasure my memories of them. These sweet spirits are brightening up heaven and they got to attend the Real Birthday Party for Jesus and will every year and We are assured that we will be reunited and look forward to that day and will continue to live our daily lives in a way that honors them. Love is all. My love to all who have lost a child and to all of Caitlin’s family and friends who will miss her as long as they live.
Registered the other day. Have always had the designation on license and may have registered before but not taking chances. Wonderful articles
I registered. Thanks for being the catalyst Caitlin. Peace and love.
Thinking of you, your family and friends. Thank you for sharing your story and raising awareness of organ donation. Caitlin had an amazing strength, wisdom and kindness as is evidenced by her beautiful words in this blog. Thoughts and prayers.
I just registered to be a donor and put a link on my facebook page. I hope I did it right. Being a donor and getting the word out is so important. Also telling all my friends about Caitlin and encouraging them to become donors as well. If there is anything else, I should do, please let me know. Sending you all love.
God bless you in your time of grief. I saw this on Facebook and registered because of Caitlin.
Thank you for sharing your story and raising awareness of organ donation.
There’s no place like home.
I wish you all much peace.
MO