Life Stories: A Giving Spirit Lives on Through Donation

The Family of Rhonda Kay Flores

Organ Donor: Hot Springs, AR

Just before her 20th birthday, Rhonda Kay Flores, a young mother of Mexican descent, suffered injuries that led to a massive and deadly stroke. Her family honored their beloved daughter’s wishes to be an organ donor.

Rhonda’s family describes her as a beautiful person, inside and out. “Rhonda enjoyed modeling, hiking and many outdoor activities with family and friends. She was a wonderful daughter, full of life. She loved with all of her precious heart. She was a giving person. She never worried about what she would receive, rather whose life she could make happier.

“Her true concern for others, incredible courage, unconditional love for her family, the precious, nurturing way she mothered her baby girl...all these are examples of what made our graceful Rhonda the most mature and beautiful spirit many people have known.”

“Through donation, we have found peace. Rhonda is our beautiful guardian angel.”

Today, Rhonda’s family continues to be involved with the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency. The Flores family attends donor family events, including the Donor Family Recognition Ceremony in April, the donor family picnic in October and Hope for the Holidays in November. They also have corresponded with some of Rhonda's recipients.

Her family explains that donation has helped them cope with the tragedy of losing Rhonda. “Because we decided to honor Rhonda’s wishes to become a donor, we have found peace, and know that through organ donation most of her is still alive. She is our beautiful guardian angel.”

Rhonda’s story is courtesy of Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency, Little Rock, AR.