In 2014, Sadria Strong‘s 21-year-old daughter, Briana Brooks, was kidnapped and shot in the back of her head. The doctors said that Brooks — who was a mother of two and expecting her third child — had less than 24 hours to live and the baby would most likely not survive either.
For three days, Brooks was on a ventilator, and her family and friends spent those days saying their goodbyes to her. On Sept. 3, the doctors declared Brooks brain dead, but her premature daughter survived after doctors performed a caesarian section. Strong knew that even though Brooks was gone, she would still be able to save lives since she was a registered organ donor. Since then, Brooks has saved four lives by being an organ donor, something that she had dreamed of doing since she was 5 years old.
Strong spoke with rolling out at the Organ Donor Awareness art exhibit about being an organ donor, and why young people should become donors. She also shared a message about her daughter.
Why did you want to become a donor?
Because of service. My father was in the service and it’s always been “register to be a donor,” so it was never something I had to think about.
Why should young people become donors?
When you register to get your first permit or your license, register to be a donor. Have a conversation with your family, especially your parents, and explain to them why you want to be a donor to one day save lives. It does not mean it’s going to happen the next day, but just the opportunity to be able to save so many lives.
What advice would you give to someone unsure of being a donor?
Imagine being on the other side in the position of needing that organ. Imagine needing your whole family to gather around you to be tested, and none of them are able to donate. You need to have the power to donate to help others because someone can help you in turn.
What do you want people to remember about your daughter?
My daughter was giving. She had a love for children and a love for medicine so she wanted to be a doctor and wanted to save lives. That’s what we did by following her wishes to be a donor and to continue her legacy through her nonprofit.
Why do Black donors matter?
Because we are able to save each other. In the country and in our communities, we’re not registered to be donors. We’re dependent on other people to save us, and this is an opportunity for all of us to save each other.
