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Richmond Hill Today
By the People, for the People
Richmond Hill Man Honors Life-Saving Organ Donor on National Awareness Day
Jeff Gregory celebrates his second chance at life after receiving a liver transplant.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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As couples across the country prepare to celebrate Valentine's Day, one Richmond Hill, Georgia man is marking February 14 in a far more personal way - honoring the stranger who saved his life by donating an organ. After 18 months on the transplant waiting list, Gregory received a call in the middle of the night that a suitable liver had been found. Now, he is using National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Day to express immense gratitude to his anonymous donor and encourage others to register as organ donors.
Why it matters
Organ donation is a critical issue, with over 3,000 people in Georgia alone awaiting a life-saving transplant. A single donor has the potential to save up to eight lives, making the decision to register as an organ donor an incredibly selfless act of love. Gregory's story highlights the profound impact that organ donation can have, both for recipients and their families.
The details
Gregory was diagnosed with a slow-progressing liver disease and spent much of his adult life managing chronic pain. As his condition worsened, he was placed on the transplant waiting list. After 18 months of waiting, Gregory received the call in the middle of the night that a suitable organ had been found. He describes the experience as 'just like you see in the movies.' Now, Gregory is using National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Day to express his immense gratitude to his anonymous donor and encourage others to consider registering as organ donors.
- Gregory was diagnosed with liver disease and placed on the transplant waiting list.
- After 18 months of waiting, Gregory received the call that a suitable organ had been found.
- February 14 is National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Day.
The players
Jeff Gregory
A Richmond Hill, Georgia man who received a life-saving liver transplant after 18 months on the waiting list.
LifeLink
The organization that guided Gregory through the transplant process and works to support donor families in establishing their loved one's legacy through organ donation.
Kelly Cullen
The chief operating officer at LifeLink, who emphasizes the importance of organ donation and having conversations with family members about registering as donors.
What they’re saying
“It's the difference between life and death. It really is. I can't put it in any plainer terms than that.”
— Jeff Gregory (WTOC)
“Valentine's is a day of love, and I think organ donation is the most selfless act of love.”
— Kelly Cullen, Chief Operating Officer, LifeLink (WTOC)
“National Donor Day is a time to stop and reflect on what that gift means and the responsibility that I have as an organ recipient.”
— Jeff Gregory (WTOC)
What’s next
Gregory plans to continue honoring his donor's legacy by encouraging others to register as organ donors, especially on National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Day.
The takeaway
Jeff Gregory's story highlights the profound impact that organ donation can have, both for recipients and their families. His experience underscores the critical need for more people to register as organ donors, as a single donor has the potential to save up to eight lives.
