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You have the power to save lives.
Coming Together
to make a difference.
The Bedrock Group and Donate Life Kentucky have joined hands to help thousands of people who are in need of a lifesaving transplant. Unfortunately, 16 individuals lose their lives every day while waiting for a transplant. However, a single donor can help save and improve the lives of more than 75 people.
A person's choice to Donate Life has touched many people's lives, including one of our Cofounders and CEO, Stewart Daily. His Father and his Mother-in-Law received life-saving organ transplants.
Due to the positive impact this has had on one of our own in the Bedrock family, we felt the need to come together to further the life-saving mission of Donate Life Kentucky.
While planning for the end of life may not always be the most comfortable conversation, it's essential to preparing for the future. Embracing these discussions with openness and kindness allows us to make informed choices, ensuring that we can live our lives to the fullest and provide peace of mind for ourselves and those we care about.
Here’s how you can make a difference and establish your legacy for yourself and your family.
Gift of Life Stories
Katelee, Heart Recipient
Miss Katelee Blythe Hylton was born on St. Patrick’s Day.
Her parents already knew about her Congenital Heart Defects because she was diagnosed while she was still growing in her momma’s belly. She temporarily relocated from Pike County to Cincinnati to await baby Katelee’s birth. However, after Katelee was born, her doctors found her heart’s defects were even more complex than they had anticipated. Katelee’s only chance at life was to stay in the hospital, hooked up to medications and machines, and hope for a heart transplant. At only 3 weeks and 5 days old, Katelee received her gift of life! Her family has been blessed to watch her grow and learn with her sisters, never taking for granted each beat of her heart is a precious gift! Now she is 8 years old and thriving in the second grade!
Her parents already knew about her Congenital Heart Defects because she was diagnosed while she was still growing in her momma’s belly. She temporarily relocated from Pike County to Cincinnati to await baby Katelee’s birth. However, after Katelee was born, her doctors found her heart’s defects were even more complex than they had anticipated. Katelee’s only chance at life was to stay in the hospital, hooked up to medications and machines, and hope for a heart transplant. At only 3 weeks and 5 days old, Katelee received her gift of life! Her family has been blessed to watch her grow and learn with her sisters, never taking for granted each beat of her heart is a precious gift! Now she is 8 years old and thriving in the second grade!
Rodney, Living Donor
If you had asked me, on the morning of April 16th 2023, if I would donate a kidney I would have said no. After seeing a Facebook post saying that a dear friend needed a kidney… it was a no-brainer. I contacted the University of Kentucky’s organ donation clinic and started the process.
A little history is in order. I met Tom because of my Wife. He had taught her to be an EMT several years before we got married. If I hadn’t met her, I never would have known him. After that, we became friends and over the years we became closer. Tom videoed our wedding, and acted as Santa for a nephew. He also became somewhat of a mentor for me, as he was a long time paramedic and I was a Firefighter/Paramedic that was still learning.
The evaluation progress is lengthy and in depth. Multiple blood draws, CT scans, in depth medical history and a colonoscopy were all in order. As the evaluation progressed, and more people were excluded from donation, it became tougher for me to let him know how it was going. I didn’t want to get hopes up and risk a crushing blow for both of us if I was excluded. However, the blow never came. It was determined that I was a perfect match and was cleared. I was brought to tears knowing that I had made it and that Tom was also approved for surgery. July 25 was one of the best days of my life… Donation day.
Recovery was tough and in many respects uncomfortable, but at no time did I regret my decision. The knowledge that Tom was actually doing great and was already showing significant improvement immediately after surgery made it all worth it. In fact, my life has improved in so many ways since donating. Not the least of the many benefits is the fact that my friend, now brother, is going to be around for many years. My new and much larger extended family is a gift in itself. Knowing that what I did has helped another person is a major blessing that I can’t put into words.
If my story can influence even one person to start the process, then it is all worth it. The number of people that can be affected by a single donation is more than you think. Please consider donation, You will never regret it.
A little history is in order. I met Tom because of my Wife. He had taught her to be an EMT several years before we got married. If I hadn’t met her, I never would have known him. After that, we became friends and over the years we became closer. Tom videoed our wedding, and acted as Santa for a nephew. He also became somewhat of a mentor for me, as he was a long time paramedic and I was a Firefighter/Paramedic that was still learning.
The evaluation progress is lengthy and in depth. Multiple blood draws, CT scans, in depth medical history and a colonoscopy were all in order. As the evaluation progressed, and more people were excluded from donation, it became tougher for me to let him know how it was going. I didn’t want to get hopes up and risk a crushing blow for both of us if I was excluded. However, the blow never came. It was determined that I was a perfect match and was cleared. I was brought to tears knowing that I had made it and that Tom was also approved for surgery. July 25 was one of the best days of my life… Donation day.
Recovery was tough and in many respects uncomfortable, but at no time did I regret my decision. The knowledge that Tom was actually doing great and was already showing significant improvement immediately after surgery made it all worth it. In fact, my life has improved in so many ways since donating. Not the least of the many benefits is the fact that my friend, now brother, is going to be around for many years. My new and much larger extended family is a gift in itself. Knowing that what I did has helped another person is a major blessing that I can’t put into words.
If my story can influence even one person to start the process, then it is all worth it. The number of people that can be affected by a single donation is more than you think. Please consider donation, You will never regret it.
Lee, Donor
Lee Carter was a larger-than-life personality in his community. Well known and well-loved, Lee “made an impact on the world that cannot be denied”. Lee was a loving father and beloved son. He is widely known for creating LeeG News, where he reported on community news, sports and local events.
At the age of 29, Lee made the decision to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. On May 12, 2023, the selfless decision Lee made years before, allowed him to save the lives of 4 people, give sight to two others through cornea donation and helped heal many others through tissue donation. Of the many names family and friends will remember Lee by, none will surpass the honorable and noble title of “lifesaving hero”.
At the age of 29, Lee made the decision to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. On May 12, 2023, the selfless decision Lee made years before, allowed him to save the lives of 4 people, give sight to two others through cornea donation and helped heal many others through tissue donation. Of the many names family and friends will remember Lee by, none will surpass the honorable and noble title of “lifesaving hero”.
Eddie, Kidney Recipient
It’s May 2018 – the moment he had counted down to for years had arrived- RETIREMENT. A day filled with dreams of the easy life to come, time with family and friends, rides with his buddies on horses and fishing trips galore.
It all came to a halt the very next week when a baseball sized tumor on the left kidney was found and immediate removal was mandatory. He was told he would be just fine for the rest of his days with one kidney- it was far from the truth. The surgery didn’t go as planned and complications led to a terrible outcome and his right kidney was damaged beyond repair.
As the year went by symptoms of kidney failure started, the excess weight, fatigue, eye issues, sugar problems and he was realizing the hopes of an enjoyable retirement were not coming to fruition.
Eddie has fantastic doctors and an extraordinary support team of family and friends. He made the brave decision to do Peritoneal Dialysis at home because he was determined to stay active and enjoy his time outdoors with family and friends.
A man who will always remind you he “just has a G.E.D.” Was running his own dialysis every night and functioning as normally as possible each day. He went of fishing and hunting trips and used a generator to complete the dialysis cycle. He often referred to the dialysis machine as his “Kidney”. That “Kidney” was heavy and carried by friends and family wherever he went! It saw multiple states and even flew on a trip to Las Vegas.
Eddie was placed in the transplant list in October 2021. Dialysis was still happening at home, he had went back to work because retirement just didn’t seem to fit his lifestyle at the time and the needed something to keep him busy. A full year passed on the donor list and all the routine visits, blood work and training were completed to keep enrollment going another year.
It was a cold snowy Friday in January 2022 (the 28th to be exact) when the call came in. Eddie would never get the call himself -because of all the days- he left his phone at home and he was at work. His daughter got the call and drove as fast as possible to his place of work and was there to witness the moment he accepted the gift of life that was awaiting him in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The drive was one no one could ever imagine- an absolute blizzard! There were road warnings, winter advisory’s but nothing was going to keep them away. Eddie and one of his daughters (Maddie) sang the whole way to the hospital, tried to remain calm but their cheeks were sore as they parked in the parking garage.
Arrival was bittersweet, the room was warm and it all was such a dream. They prayed for the donor family, thought about the lives that were being impacted. The surgery wasn’t until the next morning. Eddie couldn’t sleep a wink. At 68 years old he said he felt like a kid at Christmas and Santa was coming.
The next morning on January 29th more staff were escorting Eddie and his daughter around the hospital and then in Pre-Op. That is where is happened- the official news was delivered: The kidney is here, it’s perfect and it’s yours. W-O-W
It was a moment of disbelief, awe, excitement, anxiousness and every feeling in between. Eddie was taken back to surgery and fist bumped every team member on the way through the doors. At 4:30 am he was rolled back and at 7:10am the all clear, kidney is in call was made. W-O-W
The rest of the day, the entire family celebrated as they were all so thankful for this gift. They also sent up prayers for the transplant family in hopes that this gift could provide comfort in such a tragic time.
January 30th 2022. One day after transplant- Eddie was in the ICU with fantastic care and cheered the Bengals to the AFC Championship! Videos are proof he screamed Who-Dey over and over as Burrow and his team completed a fantastic performance in a 27-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
February 1st Eddie met his dream team as they came in to shake his hand and give the all clear. Eddie was headed home!
The months and doctors visits passed. The trips to Cincinnati for check ups was time spent together on the road. The time together was spent sharing memories, singing songs and planning trips. Eddie was blessed with a Gas Grant from (KY Trust for Life) the Kentucky Organ a donor Affiliates that made life so much easier. Each trip from his home in Bath County KY to UC Health in Cincinnati Ohio was 129 miles each way. (260 miles round trip)
April 2022 he had a small 69th birthday at home with just a few close family and friends and life was getting good. The transplant was starting to show its bright side- energy regained, scars fading and best of all- Eddie was starting to feel himself again.
July 2022 Eddie had one last procedure that completed a complication of the transplant and was off to the Canada Border to go fish with friends. In August 2022 he joined the School Bus Garage in Bath County as a school bus driver where he still works today.
He loves the kids, loves the people and most of all loves that he has finally reached the retirement dreams he longed for. More than 5 years has passed since the week of retirement and devastation. Eddie is a true testament of what the gift of life can bring.
He is a father, brother, uncle and friend. He is a Dad to three daughters, a Papaw to 6 grandkids and a Brother to his 5 siblings. He is the Cook for his hunting and fishing buddies. He is the life of the party and we are all so thankful to have him.
Eddie’s brother Steve is a Kidney and Pancreas recipient. Eddie’s best friend Mitch is a Double Lung recipient. The mother of Eddie’s girls (Sheri) is a Donor Graft recipient.
It all came to a halt the very next week when a baseball sized tumor on the left kidney was found and immediate removal was mandatory. He was told he would be just fine for the rest of his days with one kidney- it was far from the truth. The surgery didn’t go as planned and complications led to a terrible outcome and his right kidney was damaged beyond repair.
As the year went by symptoms of kidney failure started, the excess weight, fatigue, eye issues, sugar problems and he was realizing the hopes of an enjoyable retirement were not coming to fruition.
Eddie has fantastic doctors and an extraordinary support team of family and friends. He made the brave decision to do Peritoneal Dialysis at home because he was determined to stay active and enjoy his time outdoors with family and friends.
A man who will always remind you he “just has a G.E.D.” Was running his own dialysis every night and functioning as normally as possible each day. He went of fishing and hunting trips and used a generator to complete the dialysis cycle. He often referred to the dialysis machine as his “Kidney”. That “Kidney” was heavy and carried by friends and family wherever he went! It saw multiple states and even flew on a trip to Las Vegas.
Eddie was placed in the transplant list in October 2021. Dialysis was still happening at home, he had went back to work because retirement just didn’t seem to fit his lifestyle at the time and the needed something to keep him busy. A full year passed on the donor list and all the routine visits, blood work and training were completed to keep enrollment going another year.
It was a cold snowy Friday in January 2022 (the 28th to be exact) when the call came in. Eddie would never get the call himself -because of all the days- he left his phone at home and he was at work. His daughter got the call and drove as fast as possible to his place of work and was there to witness the moment he accepted the gift of life that was awaiting him in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The drive was one no one could ever imagine- an absolute blizzard! There were road warnings, winter advisory’s but nothing was going to keep them away. Eddie and one of his daughters (Maddie) sang the whole way to the hospital, tried to remain calm but their cheeks were sore as they parked in the parking garage.
Arrival was bittersweet, the room was warm and it all was such a dream. They prayed for the donor family, thought about the lives that were being impacted. The surgery wasn’t until the next morning. Eddie couldn’t sleep a wink. At 68 years old he said he felt like a kid at Christmas and Santa was coming.
The next morning on January 29th more staff were escorting Eddie and his daughter around the hospital and then in Pre-Op. That is where is happened- the official news was delivered: The kidney is here, it’s perfect and it’s yours. W-O-W
It was a moment of disbelief, awe, excitement, anxiousness and every feeling in between. Eddie was taken back to surgery and fist bumped every team member on the way through the doors. At 4:30 am he was rolled back and at 7:10am the all clear, kidney is in call was made. W-O-W
The rest of the day, the entire family celebrated as they were all so thankful for this gift. They also sent up prayers for the transplant family in hopes that this gift could provide comfort in such a tragic time.
January 30th 2022. One day after transplant- Eddie was in the ICU with fantastic care and cheered the Bengals to the AFC Championship! Videos are proof he screamed Who-Dey over and over as Burrow and his team completed a fantastic performance in a 27-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
February 1st Eddie met his dream team as they came in to shake his hand and give the all clear. Eddie was headed home!
The months and doctors visits passed. The trips to Cincinnati for check ups was time spent together on the road. The time together was spent sharing memories, singing songs and planning trips. Eddie was blessed with a Gas Grant from (KY Trust for Life) the Kentucky Organ a donor Affiliates that made life so much easier. Each trip from his home in Bath County KY to UC Health in Cincinnati Ohio was 129 miles each way. (260 miles round trip)
April 2022 he had a small 69th birthday at home with just a few close family and friends and life was getting good. The transplant was starting to show its bright side- energy regained, scars fading and best of all- Eddie was starting to feel himself again.
July 2022 Eddie had one last procedure that completed a complication of the transplant and was off to the Canada Border to go fish with friends. In August 2022 he joined the School Bus Garage in Bath County as a school bus driver where he still works today.
He loves the kids, loves the people and most of all loves that he has finally reached the retirement dreams he longed for. More than 5 years has passed since the week of retirement and devastation. Eddie is a true testament of what the gift of life can bring.
He is a father, brother, uncle and friend. He is a Dad to three daughters, a Papaw to 6 grandkids and a Brother to his 5 siblings. He is the Cook for his hunting and fishing buddies. He is the life of the party and we are all so thankful to have him.
Eddie’s brother Steve is a Kidney and Pancreas recipient. Eddie’s best friend Mitch is a Double Lung recipient. The mother of Eddie’s girls (Sheri) is a Donor Graft recipient.
Ashely, Kidney Recipient
Just a little about me…I was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. I attended DuPont Manual High School (Class of 2002). After graduating, from Manual, I went to Eastern Kentucky University where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Class of 2006). Followed by me attending Spalding University to earn my Masters (Class of 2010).
My education journey offered me many opportunities. A few where the various positions in my career that I had. Right out of college from Eastern Kentucky University, I started my first professional career as a County Extension 4-H Agent in Louisville, KY for the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. It was in that role I served as an educator for children, youth, and families, teaching leadership, citizenship, and life skills, while using agriculture principles.
I progressed into a director position working in higher education at University of Kentucky, moving next to the manufacturing world doing human resources work, and NOW finally in a role intentionally designed for me as a diversity equity inclusion officer.
Y’all have seen me presenting, teaching, organizing, advocating, and really having fun! Now, I am out here doing the same by sharing my journey of being differently abled with my health. As I traveled down my own career path my health has always been a challenge for me. In the last year or so, I have faced some very serious health conditions, that at times have consumed a lot of me.
Understand, in some respects my health has gotten better, but in other ways, my chronic kidney disease has progressed rapidly. I mean REAL FAST. I am now at a point that the best form of treatment for me is to undergo a kidney transplant. My amazing care team is preparing me now for a kidney transplant.
Hence the reason for me sharing my story.
Ultimately, my goal is to find a living donor kidney match, but the other part is to share my story with hope and prayer that you can be a blessing and consider being an organ or tissue donor. Now, of course I want you to consider giving me your spare part, so I can continue to live my life like it is golden, but really, I just want you to be aware of the importance of living a holistic healthy life.
So, with all humility, I am spilling the tea! My desire is to be as transparent as I can. Sharing with you how I am handling all of this as a mother, daughter, professional, student, friend, and more importantly, as a child of GOD!
Stay tuned…Share my Story…and know the best is yet to come!
Update: Ashley received her lifesaving gift in August 2023!
My education journey offered me many opportunities. A few where the various positions in my career that I had. Right out of college from Eastern Kentucky University, I started my first professional career as a County Extension 4-H Agent in Louisville, KY for the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. It was in that role I served as an educator for children, youth, and families, teaching leadership, citizenship, and life skills, while using agriculture principles.
I progressed into a director position working in higher education at University of Kentucky, moving next to the manufacturing world doing human resources work, and NOW finally in a role intentionally designed for me as a diversity equity inclusion officer.
Y’all have seen me presenting, teaching, organizing, advocating, and really having fun! Now, I am out here doing the same by sharing my journey of being differently abled with my health. As I traveled down my own career path my health has always been a challenge for me. In the last year or so, I have faced some very serious health conditions, that at times have consumed a lot of me.
Understand, in some respects my health has gotten better, but in other ways, my chronic kidney disease has progressed rapidly. I mean REAL FAST. I am now at a point that the best form of treatment for me is to undergo a kidney transplant. My amazing care team is preparing me now for a kidney transplant.
Hence the reason for me sharing my story.
Ultimately, my goal is to find a living donor kidney match, but the other part is to share my story with hope and prayer that you can be a blessing and consider being an organ or tissue donor. Now, of course I want you to consider giving me your spare part, so I can continue to live my life like it is golden, but really, I just want you to be aware of the importance of living a holistic healthy life.
So, with all humility, I am spilling the tea! My desire is to be as transparent as I can. Sharing with you how I am handling all of this as a mother, daughter, professional, student, friend, and more importantly, as a child of GOD!
Stay tuned…Share my Story…and know the best is yet to come!
Update: Ashley received her lifesaving gift in August 2023!
Rachel, Kidney Recipient
My name is Rachel Bratcher and I am a kidney transplant recipient.
When I was 17 years old, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease known as IgA Nephropathy. Fast forward to 2020 – I went for my annual physical appointment only to discover I was in unknowingly in end-stage renal disease failure and my kidney disease had rapidly progressed. Unfortunately, the damage that had been done to my native kidneys was not repairable which led to difficult conversations surrounding transplant and dialysis.
In April of 2021, I begin what would become a 13 month journey on peritoneal dialysis. I spread awareness for my need of a transplant and living donor by posting my story on social media. My friend and UofL sorority sister, Haley Wedge reached out to see what she could do help. Haley immediately began undergoing testing to determine if she would be a viable match and qualify as my living donor.
In May of 2022, I received the news that I had been hoping and praying for – Haley was a match and would be my living donor. Since that day, Haley has been by my side as a friend, cheerleader and my living donor. It is still difficult to comprehend that somebody gave up their summer to save my life but that is exactly what Haley did. Haley gave me the most special gift I have ever received and ever will receive – she gave me my life back.
Because of Haley I have been able to return to the life that I love and enjoy and I will forever be grateful for Haley and her extraordinary heart. I received my kidney transplant on July 5th of 2022 and as I write this I am a little over a year and half post-transplant – happy and healthy!
When I was 17 years old, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease known as IgA Nephropathy. Fast forward to 2020 – I went for my annual physical appointment only to discover I was in unknowingly in end-stage renal disease failure and my kidney disease had rapidly progressed. Unfortunately, the damage that had been done to my native kidneys was not repairable which led to difficult conversations surrounding transplant and dialysis.
In April of 2021, I begin what would become a 13 month journey on peritoneal dialysis. I spread awareness for my need of a transplant and living donor by posting my story on social media. My friend and UofL sorority sister, Haley Wedge reached out to see what she could do help. Haley immediately began undergoing testing to determine if she would be a viable match and qualify as my living donor.
In May of 2022, I received the news that I had been hoping and praying for – Haley was a match and would be my living donor. Since that day, Haley has been by my side as a friend, cheerleader and my living donor. It is still difficult to comprehend that somebody gave up their summer to save my life but that is exactly what Haley did. Haley gave me the most special gift I have ever received and ever will receive – she gave me my life back.
Because of Haley I have been able to return to the life that I love and enjoy and I will forever be grateful for Haley and her extraordinary heart. I received my kidney transplant on July 5th of 2022 and as I write this I am a little over a year and half post-transplant – happy and healthy!
Byron, Cornea Recipient
When I was younger, I applied for the ARMY but was turned down due to my sight. They told me my eye shape was irregular, but they didn’t know the reason. This was my first indication that I had something wrong with my eye. My life was normal. I loved my family, my job, and playing video games. I didn’t think about my eye irregularities again until my cornea ruptured, and the liquid pooled into the front of my eye leaving me blind.
I suddenly went blind in one eye and had to continue to drive 1 hour round trip back and forth to work and continue to work doing my job. This was a very scary situation and very dangerous for the job that I do. I had to stop my photography business because I lacked focus and sight. Everything was 100x harder to do with just one eye. I was always a very upbeat happy person, and this began to put me in a depressed mood. I was so worried about my future and worried I’d never have sight in my eye, also the thought of surgery scared me.
Once the doctor told me I was accepted t to have my surgery, all types of emotions flooded my mind. I was happy, anxious, scared, ready to get it done and be able to see out both of my eyes again. Basically, I was eager to continue my life like I had been living it before my cornea ruptured.
For the first few weeks it was a struggle. I continued to work until my swelling and eye adjusted. Once that happened, I immediately was able to see again. I was ecstatic and overjoyed that I could see my wife and family again.
I now have a new perspective on donation. The donors who give these amazing gifts really do save and heal lives. Without the precious gift they gave me, I wouldn’t be able to see my wife and kid’s faces clearly. I wouldn’t have been able to go back to school and continue my education and move up in my career. I wouldn’t have been able to expand my photography business.
I am truly honored for my donor’s sacrifice. They gave me back mine and my family’s life through the gift of sight. I think about them all the time and how much their family must miss them. I hope they know I am doing my best every day to live my life to the fullest because the second chance they gave me.
I am blessed to be able to receive such a gift. I am happy every morning when I open my eyes and can see.
I suddenly went blind in one eye and had to continue to drive 1 hour round trip back and forth to work and continue to work doing my job. This was a very scary situation and very dangerous for the job that I do. I had to stop my photography business because I lacked focus and sight. Everything was 100x harder to do with just one eye. I was always a very upbeat happy person, and this began to put me in a depressed mood. I was so worried about my future and worried I’d never have sight in my eye, also the thought of surgery scared me.
Once the doctor told me I was accepted t to have my surgery, all types of emotions flooded my mind. I was happy, anxious, scared, ready to get it done and be able to see out both of my eyes again. Basically, I was eager to continue my life like I had been living it before my cornea ruptured.
For the first few weeks it was a struggle. I continued to work until my swelling and eye adjusted. Once that happened, I immediately was able to see again. I was ecstatic and overjoyed that I could see my wife and family again.
I now have a new perspective on donation. The donors who give these amazing gifts really do save and heal lives. Without the precious gift they gave me, I wouldn’t be able to see my wife and kid’s faces clearly. I wouldn’t have been able to go back to school and continue my education and move up in my career. I wouldn’t have been able to expand my photography business.
I am truly honored for my donor’s sacrifice. They gave me back mine and my family’s life through the gift of sight. I think about them all the time and how much their family must miss them. I hope they know I am doing my best every day to live my life to the fullest because the second chance they gave me.
I am blessed to be able to receive such a gift. I am happy every morning when I open my eyes and can see.
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