(KGTV) -- Two local families are now connected in a special way, thanks to Lifesharing, the organ donation group serving San Diego and Imperial Counties. Lifesharing arranged a meeting between a North County family and the man who received their son’s heart.
Mathieu Bergeron died last May after a tragic skateboarding accident. The 20-year-old was a registered organ donor.
Bergeron’s heart saved the life of Dr. Murray Alsip, who was suffering from a heart condition that made it difficult to walk and, at times, to even breathe.
Alsip said he had “one foot in the grave” before he was saved by Bergeron’s precious gift.
The family meeting was both joyful and emotional. With the aid of a stethoscope, Bergeron’s parents and high school sweetheart got to listen to the heart beating inside of Alsip’s chest.
Both families agreed to share their story in an effort to encourage others to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation.
Statistics from LifeSharing San Diego:
- There are more than 2,000 people on the organ donor waiting list in the San Diego area
- One person can save eight lives through organ donation and heal 75 others through eye and tissue donation
- San Diegans are urged to register as organ donors at www.lifesharing.org.
