Transplant Recipient Meets Donor’s Family

A liver transplant recipient meets donor's family a year after receiving transplant.

Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Friday morning, a transplant recipient met her donor’s family for the first time.

At the South Carolina State Museum, the room was filled with many hugs and tears as Jackie Varnadore met the family of the woman who saved her life.

“It’s nice to meet her family, I’m happy for me but I’m sad for them that she had to die in order for me to live but I’m just thankful mostly,” said Varnadore.

“My sister was always wanting to help people and fix things and so to be able to meet her and get to know her and her family a little bit, it’s been a real treat,” said Tammy Cooper.

Tammy Cooper’s sister Sharon Schultz Lucas did in December 2014 after being involved in a motorcycle accident. The 53-year old is described as a fun-loving jokester who also had a huge passion for helping others.

“She would be so excited, anybody that needed something fixed or done she was always there and wanting to help,” said Cooper. “It’s just like the ultimate thing to be able to do, to help somebody and give a life back.”

Sharon gave a life back to Jackie, in desperate need of a liver transplant this time last year.

“One time I really thought that I had died and I was waiting on judgement day is what I thought but it’s just a whole lot better now,” said Varnadore.

To honor the invaluable gift Sharon’s given, a portrait of her made of seeds, crushed flowers and spices, will ride on Donate Life’s float at the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Years Day.