Gift of Life Medal Ceremony

Last summer our family was invited to the annual ceremony of life sponsored by the University of Wisconsin.  This special event cherishes the gift of life and the forward thinking of Wisconsin citizens.  Many of you know, Joel expressed his wishes to our family and to the state to become a donor in the event of his passing. His selfless and honorable gift is something I personally look up to Joel for everyday - what a true hero. 

Governor Scott Walker and UW-Madison welcome you...

In school we have the opportunity to meet and interview organ and tissue recipients, and it is amazing that they can remember the day, down to the minute, of when they received the call that their match and new chance at life arrived.  They retell the phone call as if it were yesterday.  It's truly inspiring how this process can change the lives of both the donor and the recipient - it's a miracle of medicine.

Governer's Mansion in Madison, WI

I unfortunately was unable to attend the ceremony, and I was grateful that Mom and Dad were able to take the afternoon off to go to Madison to accept the award.  Curt was thinking ahead and sent a quick email to the Governor's office to tell them a little about Joel and the blessing that he has been and how humbled we were by his decision to donate life.  In addition to our experience with Joel, we also shared one of the beautiful letters we received from a young girl who was a recipient, and the letter started out with the words "To the Angel that Walked This Earth"  - I couldn't say it better.   It arrived at our doorstep only days before what would have been Joel's 26th Birthday.  The letter swept us off of our feet.

In sharing a small piece of our story, it must have swept the Governor's office off their feet as well, because in speaking about the medal ceremony, and addressing the crowd prior to the awards, the Lieutenant Governor included Joel's story in her speech.  My parent's were stunned and in awe of the opportunity to inspire others and provide hope to other families in a similar situation.  What a neat opportunity for Joel's story, selflessness and compassion to be recognized.  Many families are not as fortunate to hear from recipients as we were - and we are grateful for that everyday.  We hope the many other Wisconsin families are able to heal and find their choice to give life to others supported by all who surround them.

Medal of Life Ceremony - Madison, WI

After hearing that Joel was included in the opening speech at the ceremonies, I wrote to the Governor's office to thank them for their compassion, hard work, and dedication to Wisconsin.  They responded with...

"Alyce,
Thank you for contacting our office.  Please know that I have taken the liberty of printing a copy of your kindly worded letter in anticipation of showing it to the Lt. Governor.  I know that the Lt. Governor was extremely moved by your brother's story and your family's strength.  Friday's event was certainly a very special occasion to honor and remember those loved ones whose sacrifice have given life to others.

Thank you again for taking the time to reach out to our office.

Sincerely... The Lieutenant Governor's Office "

Joel R Marsh: Family. Hope. Life. Honor. Hero.