Katrina Erskin was a young mother with her new son Jaleel. Jaleel was 5 weeks old and in his sleeper when his father saw that he wasn’t breathing.
Emergency services responded very quickly and worked on resuscitating Jaleel while transporting him to the local area hospital. Over the course of a week, doctors were totally diligent in trying all measures at revival. But after the course of the week, doctors told Katrina that there was no longer any brain function.
Katrina felt the strength that Jaleel’s spirit was guiding her to considering organ donation. So, Katrina said yes and the results were two pediatric lives were saved: a two-month old boy received Jaleel’s heart and an 11 month old girl received his liver.
Katrina’s experience during this donation process left her with the commitment to help people. Guided by her faith, Katrina had the strength to make her decision.
It is Katrina’s story since the donation from her son that is equally compelling. Katrina stayed committed to her journey along the path of donation and transplantation.
Katrina now has two more children. For all of them, Jaleel continues to be a presence in their family. Recently, Katrina learned that her son is a regular visitor to his older brother’s gravesite as part of his role in the family.
In recent years, Katrina has become a part of the professional transplant community. For a number of years, Katrina volunteered for public outreach activities at LiveOnNY, the OPO covering the New York City metropolitan area, telling her story and her message of hope. Katrina accepted an offer to work for LiveOnNY in its Community Affairs Department.
Her previous activities as a volunteer make her a very highly requested speaker at local cultural and community events. Katrina points out to everyone that Jaleel comes to work with her every day and allows her to radiate her message to the community.
Katrina Erskin Interview – June 18, 2024
Written by Ira Copperman
Recipient, Advocate, and Volunteer for Live On NY
TRIO Board of Directors
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