Kevin LeBlanc's 'Gift of Life' Gives Others Second Chance
Michigan Residents Await Transplants
and decision to donate has given others a second chance at life. Kevin LeBlanc, 43, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie August 1, 2006, following a sudden respiratory and cardiac arrest July 28. He had made his wishes known to his wife and family that he desired to be an organ donor, and in an operation that was the first of its kind at War Memorial Hospital, operating room personnel from the hospital, along with a specialized team from the University of Michigan, worked in cooperation with Gift of Life of Michigan to carry out his wishes. Three patients awaiting liver and kidneys will be helped. Heart valves, corneas, and bone will assist up to 54 more individuals and pancreatic research will be aided by the donation as well.

Kevin LeBlanc

Mr. LeBlanc, a lifetime resident of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and member of the Bay Mills Indian Community, was known for his willingness to assist others. In 1995, Mr. LeBlanc was assisting a stranded motorist along an exit ramp and was struck by a vehicle, leaving him with a severe cervical spine injury and resulting quadriplegia and seizures. Mr. LeBlanc was cared for by his wife, Kris, and family and friends during the years since the accident. His continued willingness to assist others also led to the adoption of a son, Brody, now 6, and active involvement in parenting of a daughter, Lacey, and a son, Damien.

Mr. LeBlanc was employed at Hiawatha Correctional Facility from 1988 to 1995 and served in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1983. He was involved in City League basketball, enjoyed sports, and loved listening to music.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his parents, Gene and Luella Raymond of Sault Ste. Marie; grandparents Clayton Parish of Brimley, Beatrice Wilson of Kinross, and Sylvia Raymond of Rogers City; three sisters, Rochelle Menominee of Brimley, Annette Olsen of Milton, Wisconsin, and Charlene LeBlanc of Sault Ste. Marie; two brothers, Darrell LeBlanc of Brimley, and Gerald LeBlanc of St. Louis, Michigan; and his fatherand mother-in-law, Aaron and Joan Hopper of Sault Ste. Marie.

"Our condolences, prayers, and appreciation go out to Kevin, his family, and friends" said David Jahn, War Memorial Hospital's President/CEO in a written statement. "The skill and compassion of our staff, physicians, and Gift of Life partners are very much appreciated."

"On behalf of all those whose lives have been changed forever, we are eternally grateful. Kevin died as he lived, a true hero," said Penny Colthurst of Donor Family Services at Gift of Life Michigan.

War Memorial Hospital has coordinated with Gift of Life of Michigan for years and through these efforts has assisted with several tissue donations. This donation is the first at War Memorial Hospital involving organs.

Gift of Life is the only nonprofit full service organ and tissue recovery organization in Michigan. The Gift of Life acts as an intermediary between the donor hospital and the recipient transplant center, providing all of the services necessary for organ and tissue donation.

As of August 1, there are 3,090 Michigan residents currently awaiting a transplant; nationally there are more that 87,000 people waiting. Every day, hundreds of additional Michigan residents are in need of other tissues such as heart valves, veins, tendons, bone, and corneas to survive or maintain their quality of life, Gift of Life reported.

In 2005, 269 organ donors were recorded in Michigan, up from 171 in 1995. In the twelve years from 1994 to 2005, there have been 2,467 Michigan organ donors. Behind these numbers are people - donors, donor families and friends, recipients, recipient families and friends, and the medical teams.

More information on Gift of Life, organ and tissue donation can be obtained at www.giftoflife michigan.org. The Web site offers access to the online Gift of Life Donor Registry. People can receive further information by calling (800) 482-4881. This registry is a confidential, 24 hours a day, computerized database that documents a person's wishes regarding organ, tissue, and eye donation.

Even when a person signs the donor registry, it is essential that he make his family aware of his wishes, Gift of Life reports.

It is also helpful if a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is designated. "Kevin had a living trust and durable power of attorney. I wouldn't have been so confident without it," said Kris LeBlanc.

Services for Mr. LeBlanc were held Monday, August 7, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's ProCathedral Church in Sault Ste. Marie.