CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – A two-year-old, who was fighting for her own life, is now giving the gift of life to others.
Family, friends and first responders lined the hallway of CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital in Charleston on Monday to show their support for Seilah, a little girl donating her organs.
“There was a lot of people there and it just meant so much to the family,” said Cheryl King, West Virginia Community Outreach Coordinator for CORE (The Center for Organ Recovery and Education).
All of them were taking part in what’s known as an “honor walk,” which commemorates patients like Seilah, who in their final moments give the gift of life to others.
“Seilah was able to give in her short life more than most of us will be able to give with our lives,” King said. “And this always brings such comfort to the families, to know that their loved one lives on, and to know that their life didn’t end.”
According to King, more than 100,000 people are waiting for an organ donation. Every day, 17 people die nationwide because an organ is not available. That’s why King encourages anyone who can to become a donor.
“It would mean a lot for this family, for people to sign up in honor of their daughter, and they can do so at CORE.org,” she said.
Even though Seilah’s life was cut short, she will continue to impact others, which is something King hopes brings comfort to her family in their time of need.
“We always want our donor families to know that their loved one will not be forgotten because their loved one is a hero,” she said.
HEK Productions, a photography agency based in Charleston, is doing mini-sessions on Wednesday and Thursday this week to raise money for Seilah’s funeral services. You can message them on Facebook to schedule a session.
An online fundraiser with “Meal Train” is also available to support the family with meals and monetary donations.