Two mothers: An inspiring story of donation

Workers rushed, floats were built.  Yet in the huge building where the Rose Parade floats were being constructed in Pasadena, two women lovingly placed a single rose on a float.  To remember a daughter who died, yet who gave life.   Debbie Douglas and Evelyn Sterling shared that rose, but they also share a bond for life.

No one should feel as miserable as she did “and still does.”  That’s when in 2008, just two years after a twin daughter died, the second twin’s life ended, Evelyn Sterling said, “Yes” to organ and tissue donation.

That a heart or another organ from Jazmin Iris Mitchell, 18, of Vacaville might allow someone else to life, to embrace their own children or see grandchildren be born, that’s what drove Evelyn to her decision.

It was not the end of the story though.  Months after Jazmin died, Evelyn met the recipient of her daughter’s heart – Debbie Douglas of Santa Rosa, CA.    A death brought them together, but since they have shared a life.

“I could not have picked a better person to receive my daughter’s organ,” says Evelyn.  “Debra is so generous and so appreciative.”

It was Debra, says Evelyn, who was not going to let Jazmin’s grave remain without proper headstone.  She organized a party to raise money for the grave stone. 

The gift of life given by Jazmin Iris Mitchell, who died months aftern graduating high school, has allowed Debbie to see two grandchildren come into this world. "her family would have been devastated to lose her. You don't find people like Debra all the time."

In December, the pair traveled to Pasadena to place the rose on the “Just Imagine…One More Day” float which was part of the Jan. 2 Tournament of Roses Parade. The float honored those who donated organs and tissues and celebrated those whose lives were saved by that generosity.

That trip to honor Jazmin’s gift is the lastest link that bonds the two women.  Debbie, whose own heart was slowly damaged by disease, is now determined to honor the gift. 

She plans to pursue making presentations at high schools about how registering as a donor when you get your driver’s license at the DMV can help out someone, someone like her. 

“Because my donor was so young, it’s a story I hope they can relate to.”