In 1994 renal failure led Gary Harter to start dialysis and the search for a kidney donor. Gary's sister and 3 brothers tested. His sister Patti (pictured left with Gary) was a perfect match along with one brother. Patti did not hesitate to make the decision for everyone. After all, she is the youngest and she will tell you she "always gets her way". January 27, 1995 was the big day at the University of Iowa Hospital. The transplant from sister to brother was a huge success for both of them. Gary's new kidney started working immediately and never faltered for a moment for almost 26 years. She continues to enjoy excellent health and has not ever had a moment's regret for giving her big brother a second chance at life. She is truly the hero of our story.
In 2004, Gary was so honored to become a part of Team Iowa and participate in the Transplant Games of America. He played in the golf tournament with Doug Stewart as his partner. He also played on the 3-3 basketball team which won the gold medal. What a thrill for a 66 year old basketball player! The young team members carried the day and Gary did more coaching than playing but it was a huge accomplishment for him. It was such an honor to meet the other Team Iowa members and hear their stories. There are so many heroes and so much bravery in every story.
In the fall of 2018, Gary began to experience significant heart and lung problems. Because of his positive attitude of "never give up, never give in", he persevered against all the odds and was blessed with another 2 years. And with everything he experienced, with repeat hospitalizations and multiple procedures and medications, his kidney showed no sign of weakness. That is the miracle of a living, related donor.
Gary final wish was to have a golf event to benefit that Iowa Donor Network and Team Iowa, the two causes that meant so much to him. He was a planner and organizer and he even chose the date of July 24, 2021. The golf event far exceeded our expectations. We had 140 golfers who came from far and wide including London, England and Anchorage Alaska. At the end of the day, over $21,000 was raised to benefit the Iowa Donor Network and Team. Our family was truly overwhelmed by the generosity of so many to honor Gary in this very special way. We continue to be humbled and grateful to everyone who played a part to make Gary's final wish come true. And we are grateful to the Iowa Donor Network for their encouragement and support of Gary's memorial golf event. Gary was given a second chance at life. He never, ever took that second chance at life for granted and to honor his life well lived, he wanted to pay it forward in whatever way he could.
To quote Patti in an interview that she gave for a publication in May, 1995, "I encourage people to think about organ donation. It's as simple as signing the back of your driver's license and letting family members know your wishes. The gift of life is one of the most wonderful things you can leave behind."
Gary's loving and eternally grateful wife,
Jayne and Family
