Son’s ‘generous spirit’ enables Parkins family to save three lives

Bernie and Nancy Parkins are certain their son, J.C. would have approved of their choice to donate his organs, and in turn save the lives of three desperately sick individuals, when he passed away last year.

J.C.’s parents said he was such a happy man, and he shared unconditional love with everyone he knew and met. When J.C. passed away, it made sense to do good for others through organ donation.

“J.C. had such a generous spirit and a true love for life,” said Nancy. “We elected to donate his organs in the hope that his incredible joy could be shared with others.”

J.C. was 46 years old and lived in a group home in the community. Though he visited his parents at their home regularly during the week, he required specialized support due to his disabilities, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying life, school or sports.

One evening during dinner at his home, J.C. choked on his food. Despite the efforts of group home staff and the paramedics who responded to the 911 call, he was unable to be resuscitated and was rushed to the Brantford General.

J.C.’s parents, Bernie and Nancy, were notified of his condition and they met him as he arrived at the Emergency Department (ED).

Bernie said Intensivist-Anaesthesiologist Dr. Brenda Reeve was treating J.C. in the Emergency Department when they arrived. After stabilizing their son, Dr. Reeve called in Critical Care Intensivist Dr. Yousery Koubaesh, and the group discussed the quality of life J.C. would have if his brain was able to recover from being deprived of oxygen for so long.

J.C. was intubated and placed on a ventilator, then admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) to receive care from the specialized team there.

“The CCU staff were fantastic,” said Nancy. “They fully supported J.C., and our family as well during this difficult time.”

Nancy stayed with J.C. during the nights – the first night in his room, and later in the CCU family room where she said the nursing staff showed exemplary care for J.C., but also made sure that she was rested and taken care of while she kept a vigil over her son.

“One evening a CCU nurse sat with me and rubbed my back while I sat with J.C.,” said Nancy. “Their care made sure he faced his journey with dignity, and their kindness made us feel welcome and comfortable.”

Four days later J.C.’s condition had not improved, and his family made the decision to remove the ventilator and see if he could breathe unassisted. When it was determined he could not breathe on his own, the family made the choice to remove life support and donate their son’s organs.

Once the decision was made for organ donation, Bernie and Nancy were visited by a representative of the Trillium Gift of Life Network, a not-for-profit agency of the Ontario government. The organization plans, promotes, co-ordinates and supports organ and tissue donation and transplantation across the province. The Trillium representative supported the family while explaining the process of harvesting and donating J.C.’s organs.

“The Trillium team staff made sure we understood every step of the process and shared our grief by letting us talk about who J.C. was,” said Nancy. “Our entire life was taking care of him.”

BCHS Intensivist Dr. Abayomi Ajayi oversaw the procedure to harvest J.C.’s kidneys and liver. In total, three organs were donated to help three separate individuals in need.

In a letter to those who received his organs, J.C.’s sister Laura wrote, “He was kind to all, and his trademark was his constant smile, which lit up every room he entered. He thrived in spite of his disabilities and he taught us so much; to be patient, understanding and, above all, to show empathy to others.”

A few months later, and with the Trillium Gift of Life Network acting as an intermediary, Bernie and Nancy said they were thrilled to receive letters of thanks from the recipients of J.C.’s Gift of Life.

“We will always miss him, but we are comforted knowing that somewhere, someone lives thanks to his donation,” said Nancy.

The Trillium network recognizes donors and their families as special people who have given an extraordinary gift. At a most difficult time, a decision was made to give other individuals the opportunity to live. Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) offers a Donor Family Support program, providing the offer of continued support, the opportunity to communicate anonymously with recipients and recognition for their courage, compassion and generosity.

As the Parkins family knows first-hand, when a health crisis or emergency affects you or a loved one, Brant Community Healthcare System is here to provide exceptional, professional and compassionate care in your time of need.

Behind each success of the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation is the generosity of our community, our donors and volunteers. This continued commitment has enabled us to put our patients first by helping us to provide the right equipment, at the right time, when it matters most.

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