Team Transplant

**This is a pre-order item -- 7/15/24 update -- these items will no longer be received BEFORE the Transplant Picnic

My Story

In September 2015, my dad, Frank Olson, suffered from a fatal brain aneurysm. In the hours following, my family made the decision for him to do his last heroic act, become an organ donor. (We did later learn that he had "checked the box" to be an organ donor as well) My dad was able to donate his kidneys, liver, eyes, and tissue and although bittersweet, we are so glad we could share his gift of life with them. 

My dad was kind, fun, hard-working, and very loved. He had a passion for music and would often be found having "piano bar" where he would sing and play guitar while my mom played the piano. He played recreational softball for 39 years, loved baseball, and was always cheering on his kids through all their passions (even if he was excited when he never had to sit through another dance competition). His loyalty to his friends and family was unmatched and we were so lucky to be "his."

When I was asked to do this hand-drawn design for the Mayo Clinic Transplant Clinic I was excited beyond belief to be able to share my design with something so close to me. I won't lie, this design took a LOT of time and was very emotional for me. I drew so many different versions before I finally submitted one for review. I'm glad we got what we both envisioned with the design and I hope it means to you, what it means to me.

To the donors, recipients, families, and friends... keep advocating -- Check the box -- we are all touched by organ donation in different ways, but what a truly beautiful thing.

Be sure to hug those you love... because you can :)