2 minute read
Wiffle Ball Saves and Enhances Lives
Who would ever think that a bunch of kids playing Wiffle ball as they grew up would one day turn into something that would save and enhance the lives of people forever?
As a child, Chad Stacy would spend hours playing Wiffle ball with his friends and cousins. In adulthood, he would reminisce with his mom, Linda Isaac, about his fondness for the time spent playing the game.
After high school, Chad joined the Marines and spent two tours of duty in Iraq, returning home in 2010. Linda said her son was a loving guy known for his kindness, giving nature and willingness to always help others.
It was no surprise to Linda that he was a registered organ, eye and tissue donor when he passed away from a tragic car accident in 2017. Chad was texting while driving.
His spirit lives on
As a donor hero, Chad helped save or enhance the lives of 157 people. His gifts of life included donating both corneas, heart valves, tissue and tendons.
Two of the recipients of Chad’s gifts have been in touch with Linda. “One woman lives on the West Coast,” said Linda. “She is an outdoors enthusiast and is active in all types of adventures. She tore the ACL in her knee and continues to thank us for Chad’s gift that has allowed her to play with her grandkids and to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.”
So, how does Wiffle ball change lives? Linda wanted to do something that honored and celebrated Chad’s life. Nine years ago, she started the Chad Stacy Wiffle Ball Tournament to honor donor heroes and celebrate organ, eye and tissue recipients. Proceeds from the event are donated to a donor recipient family and to Midwest Transplant Network.
Linda volunteers as an MTN Ambassador and promotes the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation within the community. Even Chad’s young niece named in his honor, Chadlee, volunteers for MTN when she can.
