CLEVELAND — Encouraging people to give so veterans can live — that’s the goal of a non-profit that is expanding its efforts here in Ohio. It’s called DOVE Transplant, or Donor Outreach for Veterans.
As of right now, there are roughly 100,000 people waiting on transplants across the U.S. Of those, at least 2,000 are military veterans.
The need is critical as so many people often wait years for a transplant, some passing away before ever finding a match.
The nonprofit matches living donors with veterans, expediting the process and giving them a second chance at life.
Ohio native John Anderson made the ultimate sacrifice, serving our nation in the United States Air Force Reserve. After his tour of duty, he settled down with his wife and two children and was thriving in Columbus.
Then in 2018, it all came to a screeching halt.