A few weeks ago, I listened as a mother recounted the story of the worst day of her life. Her precious boy left for school and never came home—he was killed in a car accident. In the blink of an eye, her world was shattered. Yet in her grief, she turned to her faith and made an incredible decision — she said yes to organ donation. In doing so, her son lives on in the seven lives he saved. Her story is a living sermon of hope, love, and generosity.
As a faith leader, I believe in advocating for things that make a difference for people in our community. When the world was bleak in 2020, my Kappa Alpha Psi brother Senator Chris Belt asked me to join him in standing for something extraordinary: organ donation.
I know organ donation is not always a popular topic in our community. I grew up here, and I understand the mistrust that runs deep, the belief that donation only benefits the wealthy, the white, and the privileged. But I have come to learn these beliefs simply aren’t true. Organ donation is for us.
Right now, there are 28,000 Black Americans waiting for a lifesaving transplant. We make up 27% of the national waitlist. Here in St. Louis, 410 Black men, women and children are waiting. These are our brothers and sisters, and they may never get their second chance unless more people say yes to donation.
I also know facts alone don’t change hearts. When we are facing the many stresses of life each day, something like organ donation may fall low on the list. Until we bear witness to the ways organ donation is already working around us. In church and life, we are moved by testimony, by witnessing how God’s love is revealed in the lives of others. I have been honored to witness countless members of our community who have been touched by donation and transplantation. Their stories deepened my conviction and inspired me to join the board of Mid-America Transplant, which makes these miracles possible here in our community.
Recently, my cousin received a new heart thanks to Mid-America Transplant. He told me that before his illness, he never thought much about organ donation — until he needed it himself. Now, he understands firsthand what it means: a second chance at life for someone like him. His experience not only reshaped his beliefs; it is also changing the minds of all those he touches.
My cousin was one of 168 Black patients in St. Louis whose life was saved last year because someone said yes to donation. Each “yes” healed more than just the patient waiting. It healed their family and friends, who now get to experience more of life’s moments with them. It healed their community, who, as witnesses to their second chance at life, have deeper faith in their fellow humans’ capacity for love. It is impossible to measure the ripple effect of one life saved.
Organ donation is both a medical and spiritual decision, and yes, it’s uncomfortable to think about death. But we must remember that death isn’t an “if,” but a “when.” We cannot take this body with us. Donation is one final act of love we can offer — a reflection of Christ’s own sacrifice. Jesus taught us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” If we believe this, how can we not consider saving a life when we have the power to do so?
Just one person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 more through tissue and eye donation. If you aren’t yet a registered donor, I invite you to search within your heart and take a step of faith at SayYesGiveLife.org.
Then, be a witness. Share your decision with others. Connect your testimony to their faith, their love for their families, and their quest for justice in their community. Be the one who creates ripples in our community, so more people can confidently make a lifesaving decision of love. Because when one person says yes, the blessing doesn’t stop with the recipient—it multiplies, touching generations to come.
Ron Young is the founding pastor of Impact Church St. Louis, serving the Metro East area in Cahokia Heights, Illinois.
The St. Louis American invites you to share your voice through a short survey focused on the barriers to donation, whether due to mistrust, misinformation, or lack of access.