Organ donor recipients join forces at Franklin Institute to encourage more people to become donors

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - She's breaking records on a national stage and competing all around the world.

"These are from Argentina last summer."

Meet Janet Dennis -- a retired DHS social worker from the Nicetown section of the city and a top-ranking athlete in Donate Life's U.S. and World Transplant Games.

"I have been to 5 US games and 4 worlds," Dennis said.

Achievements Dennis never could've imagined 10 years ago.

"That was real - not being able to breathe - not being able to walk and breathe that was real crazy."

Dennis was diagnosed with heart failure at the age of 49 -- one year later -- she underwent a heart transplant.

A setback that inspired Dennis to push herself and live life to the fullest.

"I decided I'm not going to be on the sidelines and sit as a spectator - this heart is going to get a beat down ok," she said.

It's National Donor Day.

Ramona Howard, a multi-organ recipient, said, "I have a liver, stomach, pancreas and intestines."

Four organs -- from one donor -- and seven years later Ramona Howard is still going strong.

Gift of Life and the Franklin Institute are teaming up to share these stories and encourage people to donate.

"22 people are dying everyday waiting for valuable organs," Dennis said.

"You have the chance to make such an impact - you can be a hero save a life - I hope you consider it," Brynn Marks, a heart transplant recipient, said.

Heart transplant recipient Brynn Marks says an organ donor saved her life - she was diagnosed with heart failure in college - she was a pre-med student, now - she's a doctor - running 10K races and eager to give back.

"I work now as a pediatrician and touch lives of patients and families," Marks said.

LaSalle University freshman Jacob Hafer spent his birthday spreading the word about organ donation - why? He was gifted a new heart at just seven months old.

Kathy Hafer, Hafer's mom, said, "I'm very proud of him today this is one of the first times he got up like this."

If you're feeling inspired by Janet's, Jacob's, Bryan's and Ramona's stories, you can become an organ donor by the a click of the mouse. Find the Gift of Life Donor Program, here.