The Heart of a Hero Beats On

[babylonsister]

The Heart of a Hero Beats On
'The Worst Thing That Could Happen' Becomes Another's Chance to Live

By Mark Berman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 8, 2009


Cpl. Benjamin Kopp gave his life. And then he saved one.

An Army Ranger who had been on his third tour of duty, Kopp was buried Friday at Arlington National Cemetery. Sadly, it's a familiar story: a young man dead before his time, shot by unnamed enemies on the other side of the world.

But this time, there was a renewed life, too. Kopp wanted to be an organ donor. And after he died, his heart was transplanted into a family member's friend who had a rare form of congenital heart disease.

"How can you have a better heart?" said a grateful Judy Meikle, 57, of Winnetka, Ill., who is still recovering from the surgery. "I have the heart of a 21-year-old Army Ranger war hero beating in me."

Kopp's mother, Jill Stephenson of Rosemount, Minn., said that in addition to her son's heart, doctors removed his kidneys, pancreas and liver for transplant.

"It helps my sorrow; it eases my pain. It really does," Stephenson said. "I know that Ben wanted to help save lives . . . and it really prolongs Ben's life and honors his memory so much and honors me in that we could save other lives."

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/07/AR2009080703433.html

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. He died...

And even though we may not agree with the reason for his death...

Others will live on because of it.

K&R

:patriot:

[BlooInBloo]

2. :) :(

RIP.