It was in 2013 that tragedy struck for Heather Clark. Like so many other mothers do every day, Heather entrusted her 7-month-old son, Lukas, with a babysitter. But when Lukas wouldn’t stop crying, the babysitter’s boyfriend began physically abusing him. It was only when Lukas stopped breathing that the babysitter called 9-1-1. Lukas was taken to Montclair Hospital Medical Center and then transferred to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital where he was declared brain dead.
Heather was absolutely devastated but amidst all the grief and sorrow, she made a very difficult but selfless decision that would forever change the lives of other families. Heather decided to donate her little boy’s organs to those in need.
Heather explained what she was going through when she made her decision: “There is another family out there, somewhere, you know who’s feeling something of what I’m feeling, somewhat, and I have the chance to make them not go through what I’m about to go through.”
Three of Lukas’ organs were donated to other children who so desperately needed another chance at life. One of those children was Jordan Drake. Jordan was born with a congenital heart disease and had spent most of her life in a hospital. This heart transplant saved her life. Years later, Lukas’s mom Heather and Jordan’s mom Esther met for the first time.
Using a stethoscope against Jordan’s chest, Heather was able to hear Lukas’ heartbeat once again. Jordan also gave Heather a gift: a very special Build-a-Bear that contained a recording of Lukas’ heartbeat. Watch the video below and make sure you have a box of tissue nearby.
