Two-and-a-half-year-old Catherine Virginia Todd, affectionately known as “Ginny,” tragically and unexpectedly passed away on Aug. 12, 2024. Her parents, James Todd and Michaela Swinson, made the compassionate decision to say “yes” to organ donation, allowing Ginny to become a miracle for another family in need.
“There’s another baby that’s getting to live because of us,” said her mother, Michaela Swinson. “She was somebody else’s miracle. They were able to use her heart valves and her corneas and knowing that my baby is living on in someone else is healing. My girl is still out there, seeing the world through another person.”
Described as a spitfire by her parents who “knew she was cute, and she knew how to use it,” Ginny was the first little girl in the family and was treasured by all who knew her.
“She was fearless, and she ruled the world,” said her grandmother, Sarah Thompson. “And yes, as the only granddaughter, she was so spoiled!”
Ginny’s father, James, says the decision to make Ginny an organ, eye, and tissue donor came naturally.
“Our decision to donate was instant,” he said. “There was no hesitation. I’m an organ donor, and so is Michaela. I think the decision definitely changed our perspective—because for us, there’s not really a finality to it. She’s still out there.”
Ginny’s grandmother, Sarah, was an ER nurse for 11 years—and fully understands the lifesaving impact of donation.
“I think it’s important for people to know how important donation is—and how it doesn’t change the ability to have an open casket funeral,” said Sarah. “We’ve got pictures of her in the casket, and she looks like a baby doll.”
For other parents who find themselves in similarly heart wrenching situations, Michaela encourages them to “take it day by day” and “carry on the memories.” In the future, she hopes to connect with Ginny’s recipients and tell them all about her baby girl.
“I would love to get to know her recipients, and to have them know us,” said Michaela. “I would love to watch their child grow. We wrote a letter to them with all of our information, and I truly hope they reach out to me. I would love to be able to tell them about my baby, because their child is living because of my girl.”
One organ, eye, and tissue donor can save and heal up to 75 lives! Register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor today!
