Everyday Hero: One Woman’s Grief Journey

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) –    Back on March 26th, Sharing Hope’s Race for Life was held on Folly Beach. For one of the participants, the reason behind her running is personal.

“It’s a special gift that you’re given to know that your husband has been able to help others,” said Julie Martin.

Martin’s husband, Tom, was special.

“He loved life. He loved his family. He loved God,” Martin said. “He just he helped anybody and everybody in need.”

But three years ago, in 2022, Tom was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. The pain for Julie remains years later.

What Martin didn’t know at the time was that Tom was an organ donor, and by losing his life, he saved others.

“When you put the Y, when you say yes on your license, I had no idea what all that meant, and so now, going through this, I see the importance of sharing this mission with others and telling them that you have no idea how far-reaching this is for others,” Martin explained.

Sharing Hope SC facilitates the gift through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Just last year, the organization saw more donations than ever before.

The bond between Sharing Hope and Julie Martin is strong. She runs this race for her husband as part of her grief journey. Supporting him as well as sharing hope.

“When this happened, I realized how many people my husband has continued to help. I want to help, too,” Martin said. “I’m a donor also myself, but while I’m here in this life I want to do what I can for others and to continue this mission through volunteer work or through whatever way that I’m needed.”

Martin is one of more than 500 participants on this race day. Many of whom share similar stories.

She hopes raising awareness and spreading the word about organ and tissue donations can save more lives.

“It excites me. It gives me joy that he’s been able to give to so many,” Martin explained. “That helps somebody on their grief journey more than you can imagine.”

Martin’s husband, Tom, helped several people by donating connective tissue, tissue for burn victims, heart valves, and both of his corneas.

So far, 65 people have benefitted from Tom’s donations worldwide.

If you have an Everyday Hero, email [email protected] or submit it here.