Only God can take a tragedy and transform it. Organ donation helped bring about a joyous transformation for several families.
A year ago, Cheryl and Art Browning made a heart- wrenching decision without hesitation. Their son Hunter, about to turn 9 in just days, was not going to survive after an accident on their ranch. “Yes” was their unanimous answer to the transplant coordinator at Children’s Medical Center when asked about donating Hunter’s organs.
Afterwards, they prepared for a funeral. So on July 24, 2007, over 900 family members and friends gathered to celebrate Hunter’s birthday as well as his home going celebration. His father and his Uncle David also shared a birthday on that day. They experienced a lifting of the grief as hundreds of helium balloons were released, captured by the wind and quickly disappeared into the sky. Friends and church members surrounded the family with support. People all over were praying for them, sending flowers, and bringing food.
Then the reality of life without Hunter, their blond, blue-eyed dynamo who brought joy wherever he went, settled in. Everywhere they looked there were memories. His ever present smile. The way he excelled at baseball for a boy his size. The way he loved animals and freely gave hugs. His special relationship with his brothers Austin and Matt. The grief was overwhelming.
As the days passed, thoughts turned to those unknown people who had been given Hunter’s organs. A few facts here and there emerged. First, Cheryl and Art found out that a 58 year old woman and a 62 year old man received his kidneys. Then came the day they received a letter from Ron Austin, the man who was the grateful recipient of the right kidney. He was a retired school administrator from Arkansas, now living in Allen, TX. He had been on dialysis since May 2004.
He writes, “I received the call informing me of the availability of a kidney while on dialysis on July 20 about 7:30 p.m. I completed my treatment, drove home to pack and reported to Baylor Dallas just before 11:00 p.m. I had tests off and on all night but immediately after each test I fell peacefully asleep knowing I was in the hands of God and thanking Him for the special gift from your precious child and you.”
He also indicated he would like to meet them, but said he would understand if they didn’t want to. He ended his letter with “May God bless you and your family in many special ways to confirm your decision to be an organ donor.”
Then Cheryl got a call from the woman who received the left kidney. Her name was Lilla Gobin. She is married to a man who is a civil engineer working in Alaska and has two single daughters who have cared for their mother for years. She, also, was extremely grateful and wanted to meet the family.
The Gobin family grieved for Cheryl as Mother’s Day was approaching, and decided to send her a gift basket. In it were little boxes shaped like butterflies, which was Cheryl’s symbol of hope.
As Art’s birthday and the one year anniversary of Hunter’s death approached, Cheryl and Art made the decision to plan a celebration with friends and family at their ranch and invite the kidney recipients.
On Sunday, July 20th, Ron and Linda Austin and their son Chip arrived first, giving everyone time to catch up on all the details of their journey thus far. Mysterious feelings of having known each other already emerged as both donor and recipient families shared how they prayed for each other in the days after the transplant. There was indeed a bond forged through pain and mutual love for Hunter.
Then Lilla and Ram Gobin arrived with their two daughters, Nan and Mandie, carrying a big bouquet of flowers. Ram was supposed to be in Alaska, but he surprised the family and came home for the event. You could tell what tender feelings they all had about Hunter. It was very healing for the Browning family to participate in the joy the gift of life has provided for both of these families.
In addition, their transplant coordinator came with a picture of the 10 year old boy named Gabriel who received Hunter’s liver. He is a handsome, dark haired boy – with a smile much like Hunter’s. His picture was taken amidst baseballs and soccer balls. He has always wanted to meet the Browning family, so another day of rejoicing is ahead.
Hopefully, soon the identity of the boy who received Hunter’s heart will be known. All they were told was that he was an 11 year old twin boy.
Cheryl and Art have developed a deep sense of gratitude for the faithfulness of friends who have walked with them throughout this year. They have been on the receiving end of much comfort, encouragement, and practical help.
In the hospital after the accident Art vowed that Hunter will not be forgotten. Having his organs live on, saving the lives of these individuals, is one way this has been accomplished. Another way is the development of the
Hunter Mason Browning Memorial Fund set up at First State Bank of Mesquite. The family plans to use this money to provide scholarships to graduating students or to help children who want to play sports and can’t afford
to do so.
Donations can be mailed to the Hunter Mason Browning Memorial Fund
c/o First State Bank
917 Military Parkway
Mesquite, Texas 75159.
[Editor’s Note: Organ donation is a wonderful and lifesaving measure in normal conditions. Lyme disease and Babesia patients should never donate blood or organs as the disease can be transmitted through blood and tissue. The CDC has documented proof of disease transmission via blood and organ donation.]
