'Keep him alive': Survivors, Memorial Medical Center salute organ donors

Apr. 18—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Snowball fights were one of 7-year-old Alea Boyer's favorite things to do with her father, Jonathan Boyer.

"I'd let him throw snowballs in my face, and I would throw them at him," the Johnstown girl said Wednesday at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's annual organ donor wall dedication.

Alea missed the winter fun this year. Now she says she can only talk with her dad from heaven.

Jonathan Boyer's parents, wife and three daughters were among honored guests at Wednesday's dedication morning in the hospital atrium.

The program recognized the 17 organ, tissue and cornea donors who had their photos added to Memorial's Donor Wall on the third floor of the atrium overlook.

Dr. Jennifer Silvis, a trauma, critical care and acute care surgeon, set the tone for the day.

"Through all my years of practice, one of the most incredible acts of loving kindness I have witnessed is these selfless donors and families," she said. "When their entire world feels like it's collapsing around them, they find the courage and strength to say yes to donation; to be the light in someone else's life."

This year's program featured a celestial theme, with stars decorating the atrium and participants wearing stars.

"We've drawn parallels to the profound decision to be an organ, tissue and cornea donor, a decision that becomes a beacon of home for 100,000 people awaiting a second chance at life," critical care nurse manager James Love said. "Just as stars shine in the darkest night, the act of donation brings light to the lives of those that need it."

Bruno Mastroianni, chief information officer for the Center for Organ Recovery and Education, carried through with the celestial theme.

"Stars have long been a symbol of guidance," she said. "It reminds us that even in the darkest times there is always light ... always hope. Today, let's take inspiration from the stars and their enduring light as we recognize and celebrate the generosity of donors and their families who — even in the face of tragic loss — made the choice to say yes to donation."

Jonathan Boyer's family knew how to respond when the CORE representative contacted them after the 28-year-old's death in November.

"He had it on his driver's license. It was never an issue," his father John Boyer said after the program. "From the time he got his driver's license, he wanted to be an organ donor."

John Boyer said the decision was still heart-wrenching because Jonathan was being kept alive on machines.

"The whole time, we were holding on to hope that maybe he could survive," his father said.

"I allowed myself to crumble at that moment," his wife, Jade Boyer said, holding their 2-year-old daughter, Taylor.

Jade Boyer said she encourages her three daughters to carry her husband's legacy.

"We keep him alive by always talking about him," she said.

"And he also talks back to me." 5-year-old Macy said.

Jennifer Kresak knew her husband, Mark, wanted to leave his legacy to include organ donation after he died in November.

"It was one of those things we just instinctively agreed on in our marriage," Jennifer Kresak said. "Our family is really proud he was able to be a donor.

"I believe that his legacy will live on, not only in the lives he helped to save, but also with the impact his story has had with our friends, family and community. If just one more person is convinced to become an organ donor by Mark, his influence will ripple out throughout the years."