The purpose of this affair is to give honor to two young adult boys one who donated an organ, and one who received it. This has been an endeavor of ours for ten years, so now the time has come not only to pursue this effort but put it into action. Our desire is to entertain and educate others about the positive aspects of organ donations from a personal scene. After reading our story, you’ll recei
ve a better understanding about why we’re so passionate about this aim. Britt, born on August 28, 1980 was the first child for Jim & Jan Gately. Before leaving the hospital, it was diagnosed that he had a serious heart defect. After having his first open heart surgery at two weeks of age, he was given only six months to live. He received a second operation at two and a half and a third at seven years old. He bypassed all expectations and lived a normal, active, fun-filled life until October 5, 1991 when he suffered a stroke. Britt Gately succumbed to death on October 7, 1991 at the age of eleven, and his parents decided to donate his organs; hoping to give children a second chance of life. Douglas, born on September 15, 1981, was the second son for Arthur & Annie Freeman. He was a very intelligent, healthy, and active ten years old in sixth grade when he was diagnosed with congenital liver failure on September 25, 1991. His only chance of survival was to receive a transplant. On October 9, 1991, Britt’s healthy liver replaced Doug’s worn out one and he continued to thrive as an ordinary child. He graduated from high school at age sixteen, and furthered his education by entering University of Houston- Downtown with a double major of Marketing & Drama; minor in Theatre Arts. He continued to be an advocate for Life Gift continuing to share his story so others know how important these services can be. On September 19, 2001, four days after his twentieth birthday, Douglas Arrian Freeman went home to be with the Lord. The Freeman & Gately Families began communicating with each other in 1991 and have grown closer over the years by visiting, e-mails, Instagrams, and Facebook. An unselfish, miraculous gift brought us together and we are forever bound
