Ambassador
Stories

OneLegacy, the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization serving seven counties throughout Southern California, is powered by a team of 400+ dedicated employees in clinical, social work, administrative, and leadership roles. Their tireless efforts are focused on one mission: saving lives through donation and transplantation. However, the unsung heroes in our mission are the OneLegacy Ambassadors. These volunteers, each with personal experiences of donation and transplantation, are the lifeblood of our foundation. Their stories of hope, faith, triumph, perseverance, and dedication to our cause are profoundly inspiring. We are grateful for their invaluable contribution.

The Ambassador Videos were created to share these powerful stories with the world. A new story will be shared on the OneLegacy website each week and live on our OneLegacy YouTube channel. We believe these videos will not only serve as a platform for viewers to learn, love, build community, and honor the legacy of those who gave the gift of life, but also inspire and educate the audience about organ donation and transplantation.

Ep. 1 Kali Rose

An incredibly brave mother of three experiences the heart-wrenching loss of her youngest child. In the wake of this devastating tragedy, she finds the strength to honor her daughter's legacy and create a supportive community for others who have faced similar situations. Kali Rose, her precious daughter, saved four lives and left an indelible mark on the world during her brief yet beautiful time here.

Ep. 2 Duane

A vibrant and successful man, full of life and energy, is struck down by a rare disease, leaving him in desperate need of a heart and kidney. This experience brings him a new lease on life and inspires him to become a part of the OneLegacy Ambassador program, driven by a deep desire to give back and help others facing similar challenges.

Ep 3. Hernan

In honor of National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, we're proud to share the impactful story of Arnold Jr., a young man who has spent his life honoring his older brother Hernan, even though the two never met. Hernan passed away before Arnold was born, but in his passing, he made a significant impact by saving lives through organ donation. Arnold, along with his mother and father, now spend their free time honoring their lost angel and the lives he saved.

Ep. 4 Kelly

As we embark on a new school year, we are inspired by the triumphant story of Kelly, a beloved Southern California Spanish teacher, mother, and wife. When she unexpectedly fell fatally ill, Kelly's community rallied around her as she awaited and ultimately received a heart and kidney transplant. Although she has never met her donor family, she shares what she would tell them and how the experience has profoundly changed her perspective on life, inspiring us all with the power of hope and resilience.

Ep. 5 Jasmine

After Jasmine passed away suddenly at the age of twenty, her mother, Rita found herself in a deep depression. An unexpected letter from one of her daughter’s tissue recipients brought joy and purpose back to Rita's life and moved her to become a OneLegacy Ambassador.

Ep 6. Celina M

At 18 months old, Celina was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney disorder. After the birth of her first daughter, her kidney failed. Celina received a transplant from a living donor, her brother. After having her second daughter, her brother's kidney failed, and Celina was put on dialysis. After a decade on dialysis, Celina received the call that a kidney was available to her from a deceased donor. In this video, she discusses the difference between her two donors and how her daughters forced her to persevere.

Ep. 7 Michael

After surviving cirrhosis through a liver transplant, Michael found saw the world through with a whole new perspective. He now enjoys working in the circus and teaching children activities like juggling and stilt walking.

Ep. 8 Adrian

Honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month - Adrian, a generous, healthy, 22-year-old college student, fell ill, and after several days of misdiagnosis, his family learned that he had a fatal case of bacterial meningitis. Adrian had shared with his mother prior that he wanted to be an organ donor if anything ever happened to him, and he became a donor in his passing. His family found comfort in carrying his legacy and inspiring others to be donors.

Ep. 9 Brittany

A loving, charismatic only child left her family in California as a young adult to stay with extended family in New Orleans. While there, she obtained a job at a hospital and started to build a life. After a severe car accident, she remained in a coma as her coworkers and family rallied around her. While at first, she showed signs of recovery, an unexpected blood clot turned the prognosis from bad to worse. This loving young woman, in a final act of sacrifice, ultimately saved others.

Ep. 10 Robert

In episode ten of the Ambassadors Stories, you will meet Robert. After a dire health scare impacts this girl dad of seven, he is given the gift of life through a heart and kidney transplant. Robert now advocates for not only donation and transplantation, but also for men's health.

Ep. 11 Ivan

A family is changed forever when a car accident claims the life of young Ivan. His family learns to find comfort from their loved ones and community and realizes the lasting impact of Ivan's organ donation.

Ep. 12 Rene

After a near-death battle with cirrhosis, Rene's life was saved by a liver transplant from a young man named Nicholas. Together with his family, Rene honors Nicholas's legacy of kindness.

Ep. 13 Stephanie

Stephanie’s unrivaled energy led her to a successful career as a music manager. When her pregnancy triggered a rare disease, she found herself quickly in need of a lung transplant. To her surprise, she found more in common with her donor than just a life-saving organ: both share a poetic connection to music.

Ep. 14 Scott

A lifelong baseball player and a true Dodger fan, Scott proposed to the mother of his son at a Dodger's game. He enjoyed taking photos and often compared sunset pictures with his mother. During COVID, after an attempted suicide had irreversible effects, Scott gave the generous gift of life to others, healing his own family in the process. Scott's mother shares her experience of healing and grief in a beautiful and honest way. If you or someone you know suffers from depression please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.