The Nicholas Effect
Nicholas, seven year-old boy from California, was killed by highway robbers in 1994 while vacationing in Italy with his family. His parents agreed to donate his organs and corneas, which went to seven Italians waiting for transplants.
Nicholas' seven recipients are like many others who need a transplant - a mother who had never seen her baby's face clearly; a diabetic who had been repeatedly in comas; a boy of 15, wasting away with a heart disease, who was only the same size as a seven year old; a keen sportsman whose vision was gradually darkening; and two children hooked up to dialysis machines several hours a week. Then there was Maria Pia, a vivacious 19-year old girl who the night Nicholas was shot was dying too. Now, against all odds, she's healthy, is married and has two children, one of whom is called Nicholas.
The picture below is the Green family and the seven recipients.
The Green’s founded the Nicholas Green Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the cause of organ and tissue donation around the world.
I have never met Nicholas’s parents, Reg and Maggie Green, but they, just like their son, are heroes in my eyes. They spoke openly to the media about their loss and mighty decision to donate Nicholas’s organs and corneas. And the world’s response to the Green’s personal tragedy and inspirational story is called “the Nicholas effect.”
“…For the rest of our lives we donor families can feel proud that our loved ones saved someone in desperate need when no one else in the world could, “Reg Green.
I love this blog! I think this is a must read for all ICU nurses who become too cynical for their own good (like myself.)
Posted by: Beth | June 04, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Ted -- thanks for posting about Nicholas, and about Reg & Maggie Green. I have a couple copies of their video, "The Nicholas Effect" on my VCR -- it's an incredibly moving story about a truly beautiful family...
I've exchanged emails and spoken to Reg Green over the phone. He's a wonderful man and continues to be very dedicated to the cause. He's a truly good person.
Hey Beth!!! ICU nurses freakin' ROCK! I can see how they might become cynical and hardened -- but down deep, I think the reason so many of you chose nursing is still there... I thought I recognized your username -- I left you a note in mid-May on a post you wrote about "Tell us how you really feel..." I know I veered from your topic -- but I do that.
You take care, Beth -- thanks for thinking our blog should be mandatory ICU-nurse reading!!!... And thanks again, Ted, for reminding me about an incredible family!!!
Love,
Steve
Posted by: Steve Ferkau | June 04, 2007 at 09:26 PM