S8 Ep10 A Gift of Life: Two Moms United by One Heart
Holly Campbell gave birth to her son, Jake in 2007. At just two and a half months old, Jake suddenly stopped breathing and was rushed to the hospital. The following day, Holly and her husband were told the devastating news that their baby was not going to survive. In their grief, they wanted to give their son a legacy and help others, so the selfless decision to donate Jake’s heart was made.
During this same time period and nearly 1,000 miles away, Kim Scadlock gave birth to her son, Beckham. Beckham seemed healthy at birth, but soon medical staff discovered he was struggling to breathe. After tests were done, Kim and her husband were told Beckham’s only chance to survive was to receive a heart transplant.
Thankfully, Jake’s heart was a match for Beckham and the transplant took place. Afterward, while both families were in the process of grieving and healing, they thought of each other often, although they did not know each other’s identity. Through the organ donor networks, the families were eventually able to contact each other and in 2010, Holly, Kim and their families met for the very first time at the Transplant Games in Wisconsin.
Thirteen years later in 2023, Holly and Kim were invited to performed the song “For Good” from the musical, “Wicked” on the popular television show, America’s Got Talent. “For Good” has a special meaning for Holly as it was the last song she was able to sing to Jake before he passed and also special for Kim, as it was the first song she sang to Beckham after he received his new heart.
In this episode of Your History Your Story, Holly and Kim will share their story of love, friendship and the importance of life saving organ donation.
Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man
Photo(s) and songs: Courtesy of Holly Campbell and Kim Scadlock
Click here to learn more about organ donation
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