Sherry Leeman lays with her daughter, Emma Grace. Sherry always told her daughter she was meant to do big things and she was right. Through donation Emma Grace saved the lives of three people.

PIERCETON — Nick and Sherry Leeman are making the best out of a bad situation while also working to bring attention to a subject that can be difficult to discuss.

Organ donation can be an uncomfortable topic to broach but one the Leemans feel needs to be considered and talked about. After rushing to the hospital in an ambulance following a head trauma while with a baby-sitter, they were told their 11-month-old daughter, Emma Grace, had extreme swelling on the brain and surgery was needed to relieve the pressure. After surgery they were told what no parent wants to hear. Emma Grace had no blood flow to her brain and they could choose to either keep her on life support or withdraw support and allow her to go naturally.

Nick and Sherry Leeman rest their hands on Emma Grace prior to donation. Although experiencing the pain and horror of losing a child, they made the brave choice to help others in need through organ donation. In this way Emma Grace will live on through others.

Due to the age, multiple tests had to be run before Emma Grace could be removed from life support. After telling the 10 to 12 family members and close friends in the waiting room the news, people were allowed back in small groups to say their goodbyes to Emma Grace. One question entered Sherry’s mind, “So what now? What do we do?”

“I immediately said, ‘Will she be able to donate her organs?’” Sherry recalled. “I don’t know what made it pop into my head.”

Since doctors and nurses are not allowed to discuss the subject of organ donation, they were put in touch with individuals from the Indiana Donor Network. Having settled on their next steps, the paperwork was completed before the formal tests were even completed. Throughout the process the family spoke with at least 10 people from the donor network. “It’s completely the opposite process of what you see on TV,” Nick explained.

One important aspect that stood out to Sherry was the kindness of the hospital staff and members of the donor network. They would talk to Emma Grace and call her by name. They also didn’t forget about the Leeman’s other daughter, 4-year-old Addison. A specialized staff member who focuses on children dealing with these situations would come in and talk with Addison and play with her. Addison also received a visit from staff members who work with the helicopter.

Emma Grace was declared dead Friday, April 13 — one week before her first birthday. Her organs were donated Monday, April 16. After everything was done Nick described the feeling as, “Almost like a weight was lifted off.”

“I always used to tell her she was going to do big things,” Sherry remembered. “I didn’t want that to be the end of her story.” Many times the recipient’s story is told but Sherry wants people to hear the other side of organ donation as well. “It’s about the good that came from the bad for us,” she states.

Although she did not have much time on this earth, Emma Grace touched the hearts of many including some she will never get to meet. She showed herself to be a true hero.

Afterward the Leemans were told Emma Grace’s heart went to a child age 10 or younger, her liver went to a child age 10 or younger and her kidneys were able to be stacked and put into an adult. They will slowly be given more information on the recipients as time passes and in six months, if both parties agree, they will be able to exchange information. The Leemans are eagerly awaiting and hoping to meet the individuals Emma Grace helped and plan to write letters to them until they can meet.

They remind everyone when the Indiana Donor Network flag flies at a hospital it means someone inside the hospital is currently donating their organs. The flag is then taken down and given to the family of the donor along with a medal.

Although at times the waiting felt like too much, the thought of other mothers who felt the same as her but whose children could be helped kept Sherry on her path. Sherry concluded, “You’re going to have to say goodbye whether you donate or not.”

In order to raise money to help pay for medical expenses and funeral costs, the Leemans set up a GoFundMe page and are selling shirts via the It’s A Pallet Thing Facebook page.

Though not yet 1 year old, Emma Grace showed what it means to be a true hero.

The shirt made to honor and in memory of Emma Grace.