By Jessamine Circuit Clerk Doug Fain 

This time of year, the toy stores are crammed with loving parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents trying to find the perfect gift for their favorite little ones. 

It wasn’t long ago when James’ mom was praying she would have her son long enough to make those holiday memories with. 

“James was born with a congenital heart defect that was very complex,” Jame’s mother, Brittany Adkins said. 

When James was born on Aug. 24, 2015, his journey was just beginning. After his birth, he was sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit — an intensive care unit that specializes in the care of ill or premature newborn infants — where he would later go into cardiac arrest. 

“That’s when the doctors decided his best option was a heart transplant,” Adkins said. “We waited and watched our baby boy lie in his bed with tubes and wires covering his tiny body.” 

For weeks, they waited and wondered if James would receive his gift of life. On Oct. 7, the family received the news that James would get his brand new heart. 

“It saddened us to think of another parent’s grief over their child,” Adkins said. “But we were so thankful they let their sweet baby be a donor. They saved our James.”

Today, James is a happy little boy who is learning to walk, and he loves laughing with his big sister.

“Organ donation saved our child by the grace of God,” Adkins said. “You never know whose life you could be saving one day by simply registering as a donor.” 

During the holidays, many of us wish to give back but struggle to find the time and means to do so.  This Christmas, there is something everyone can do that costs nothing, takes less than a minute, and helps children like James. Joining the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry gives hope to thousands of children, adults and their families. 

Although we may not be able to save a child’s life today, we are able to give hope simply by registering. Each day, 22 patients will lose their life, on the waiting list.

The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life works to increase the number of registered organ donors to save patients like James.  

As your Circuit Court Clerk, I am proud of our Deputy Clerks for asking every person obtaining a license or ID if they would like to donate $1 to increase education about organ donation. We also ask everyone to join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.  It only takes a moment to say ‘yes’ and be hope. 

“There is no age limit or medical requirements to join the Registry,” said Shelley Snyder, executive director of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk’s Trust for Life. “Everyone is welcome. Jessamine County is fortunate to have such caring individuals working in the Circuit Clerk’s Office. They are committed to helping their community and saving lives through organ donation.” 

We feel honored to give everyone the opportunity to be part of the lifesaving team. Thanks to the kindness of this community and the dedication my hardworking staff, many lives have been saved.  However, the need is still there.

For more information about organ donation You can call 1-866-945-5433 and talk to specialists at Kentucky’s organ donation awareness program.