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Dakota Lane Johnston 1999 - 2008

Dakota was born Oct. 20, 1999, in Grapevine.
He was in the second grade at Nance Elementary in Fort Worth. He was baptized in November 2007 at the Met Church in Keller. He loved to hunt, fish and spend time outdoors. Dakota was a true inspiration to everyone he met. He lived life to the fullest. Dakota never met a stranger and brightened the world with his big smile and loving heart. He will continue to bless others with life through his gift of organ donation.

Below is a letter Kelly and Steve received from

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston,

Once again, I would like to express my condolences to you and your family in the death of your son, Dakota. I understand that the time ahead will be very difficult for you and your loved ones. I hope that the information about the recipient of your son's gifts will bring you some comfort.

One of Dakota's kidneys was transplanted into a forty-six year old man from Decatur, Texas. His kidney failure was due to glomerulonephritis. He is disabled and has one child. He was placed on the waiting list in March of 2007, and had been receiving dialysis since 2006. He is doing well after the transplant and enjoys spending time with his family. Dakota's other kidney was transplanted into a fifty-six year old man from Fort Worth. His transplant was needed due to hypertension. He was also listed in March 2007 and had been receiving dialysis since 2006. He is doing very well after the transplant. He is also disabled and enjoys spending time with his four children.

Dakota's liver was transplanted into a five year old boy from Houston, Texas. He is doing very good after the surgery and is looking forward to school and spending time with friends this summer.

Dakota's pancreas was transplanted into a fifty-year old man from Green Bay, Wisconsin. His transplant was needed due to Type I Diabetes. He is married with two children. He is looking forward to spending time watching football with his family and friends.

Dakota's small intestines were transplanted into a twenty-three year old man from from Washington, D.C. His transplant was needed due to short gut syndrome. He is doing very well after the transplant. He is an intern and is looking forward to the social events in Washington D.C.

I would like to express sympathy and gratitude on behalf of the recipients, their families and all of the other individuals waiting for life saving transplants. I know that words cannot eliminate the pain that you and your family must feel; however, I hope that in the months ahead you will gain some comfort in knowing that your son has given these precious gifts of life. My thought and prayers are with you.

Respectfully,

Mark Penninger, RN, RRT, CPTC
Donation Clinical Specialist
LifeGift Organ Donation Center

5th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Date Set: October 20th, 2012

Sponsor Form coming soon!

Registration Form coming soon!

Coming Up 2012 LifeGift Walk
"Team Dakota Lane"
to be held May 19th 2012