As HonorBridge celebrates 40 years of saving and healing lives, we are proud to share the stories of those who have been touched by our mission. Among them is Jan Frye Hill—a dedicated volunteer, donor family member, and former board member—whose personal journey with organ donation has deeply influenced her life.
Can you tell us about your experience as a donor family member?
My mother received a liver transplant in 1994, which was a life-changing event for my family. Around that time, I reconnected with an old friend, Jim Hill, who later became my husband. Having my mother at our wedding in 1996 was so special, but tragically, Jim was hit by a car and passed away just three months later. Jim had been so impressed with my mother’s transplant that he had signed up to be a donor one week before his accident. I was so touched to be supported throughout this difficult time by the family support team at HonorBridge.
How did you first connect with HonorBridge, and how long have you been a volunteer?
I remained connected with this organization from the time of my husband’s death and began to volunteer shortly thereafter. I was asked to speak at the yearly donor/recipient service in 2000. I remained a volunteer until about a year ago. During the time I volunteered, I also served on the Medical Advisory Board and the Board of Directors.
What year did you join the board, and what has that experience been like?
I joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and served until 2024. It was fulfilling to understand the organization from a business perspective while maintaining my connection as a donor family member and volunteer. I suggested at one of the meetings to have different employees talk about their roles in the organization, as I had experienced this activity while serving on the Miracles in Sight Board of Directors. This was very enlightening and furthered my knowledge of the organization.
In what capacity have you volunteered over the years?
I primarily worked alongside Beth Hinesley to educate high school and college students, nursing and medical students, and the public about organ donation. I also spoke at Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs International, and churches, particularly during Donor Sabbath. For several years, I served as the donor liaison for families at the U.S. Transplant Games.
What has been the most rewarding moment for you as a volunteer or board member with HonorBridge?
There are many moments that have been special to me, but the most rewarding was to have met one of my husband’s recipients at a talk I gave. He was able to piece together the timeline from my story and realized he had received my husband’s kidney. This was confirmed, and I was asked if I was willing to meet the recipient and his wife. This was so meaningful and helped me further in my grieving and healing process. At the time of receiving my husband’s kidney, this gentleman had a four-year-old daughter. He and his wife went on to have two more children. We were able to stay in touch for a few years, until I moved and began working remotely. A few years ago, I received an email that informed me that a new administrative assistant had been hired for me through my department. As it turns out, the newly hired administrative assistant was none other than the daughter of my husband’s kidney recipient. Yes, that four-year-old was now my coworker and my much-needed administrative assistant! She was married and was now a mother. This gave me so much comfort, knowing that honoring my husband’s decision to be a donor helped this family experience the joys we would have wanted them to have.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the organization since you first became involved?
HonorBridge has grown significantly, with expanded outreach and education efforts. Additionally, supporting legislation and promoting the goals of HonorBridge throughout the service areas has made an impact.
As HonorBridge celebrates 40 years, what do you think sets the organization apart?
The connection made between an HonorBridge Family Support Coordinator (FSC) and a donor family at the beginning of their journey is so special. Having that caring and sincere individual be with the family throughout their walk to donate the organs is powerful. That support system has never left my memory in the 28 years since I lost my husband. It was an HonorBridge employee who gave me the strength to begin my grief journey and move forward, despite the pain. Now, at this point in my life, I can try to help others, as I am in my second year as a leader of a grief and caregiver support group at my church. This has been a successful group, having grown in numbers since its inception.
As a donor family member, former board member, and long-time volunteer, what message do you have for HonorBridge employees?
Continue to view your work not as a job, but as a true calling to serve. No matter what your position is, each of you contributes to supporting the loved one of a donor or recipient family member. I have experienced both sides and can truly say, without reservation, the service you do means so much to honor the lives of all.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for making my grief journey meaningful. Although I miss the life my husband and I could have had, I am grateful for the gifts he left me and for the life lessons I’ve learned through this experience. My mother lived 17 years with her liver transplant, touching many lives. I hope my story inspires others to see the profound impact of organ donation.
75 or more lives can be saved and healed by one organ, eye, and tissue donor.
