In 2018, while competing at the transplant games, my mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer, and after 16 weeks of radiation, she was declared cancer-free, so we had a glorious celebration. I was also able to spread awareness at the 2017 Rose Bowl Parade where I was a Donate Life Float Rider. My disease has inspired me to spread awareness for Biliary Atresia, which is why I compete every 2 years in the Transplant Games of America, an Olympic-style event for transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families. I have had 26 years and counting of success with her liver. Because of the transplant, I was able to have a normal childhood and even go to Disney World on my Make-a-Wish trip in 2009. Soon after being born I underwent a Liver Transplant receiving 20% of my mom’s liver. I was born in a small town in central Illinois with Biliary Atresia, which is a rare infant liver disease that affects the Bile Ducts. My parents were always my biggest supporters even as I have struggled through my own disease. The group meets once a month and is filled with some of the strongest and most compassionate people I know. To help others cope with great loss I have started writing a children’s book called “Mama, Where Are You?” It’s about being a child and losing your mom, and I’ve also started a grief support group called S.O.U.L which stands for support, optimism, understanding, and love for folks like myself who had a tragic loss at a young age. I have lost both of my parents in recent years to cancer and decided it was time for a fresh start. I recently moved to Huntsville to start my life anew. Portrait Photography by White Rabbit Studios March 2023 Love, Loss and S.O.U.L. In this month’s Voices of Huntsville Carlie shares her very personal story of grief, loss, and hope for the future. Interested in becoming a TSG Huntsville Voice of Huntsville? Apply here! Our Voices of Huntsville feature shares their creative passion and unique perspective about what they absolutely love about Huntsville in a format that best speaks to their own creativity, vlog, blog, photo essay. We have met one recipient and hope to meet the other two someday, but we are informed all are doing well due to Caitlyn’s blessings.Voices of Huntsville is awarded to a local resident of Huntsville, Madison County, Madison City, Decatur, and surrounding areas to share their personal perspective of our community.

Caitlyn’s donations included her kidney, liver and heart. So strong and full of life, blessed were we with this little angel for 18 months, but taken too soon by needless caretaker violence. Being informed on a difficult subject can be key to saving a life in the future.Īs Caitlyn’s family we are grateful for this opportunity to share our miracle baby. It is important to let your family members and friends know your decision on the matter. Signing up to be a donor does not complete the process. We feel she continues to live on as her messages continues to be shared. We want everyone to hear our messages of the need for adult time outs and the importance of signing up to be an organ and tissue donor. We celebrate not only as a reminder of her life and the blessings she has provided to those who knew her, but also those who physically received her life saving gifts. Every year family and friends are encouraged to spread the word, as much as possible, of this beautiful little girl and her zest for life. Greatly missed by family and friends, we have started an annual “Cupcakes with Caitlyn” day which is held every October, Caitlyn’s birth month, to celebrate and remember this little angel. Caitlyn, the youngest of 3, was a vibrant toddler with golden blonde popcorn hair whose smile was warmly felt by all those she met. Her family has met one recipient and hopes to meet the other two someday, but know they are doing well with Caitlyn’s blessing.Ĭaitlyn Belle, from Eastvale, CA was only 18 months old when she was taken from this earth. Caitlyn donated her kidney, liver and heart. Every year, family and friends are encouraged to spread the word, as much as possible, of this beautiful little girl and her zest for life. Greatly missed by family and friends, there is now an annual “Cupcakes with Caitlyn” held every October, her birth month, to celebrate and remember this little angel. Caitlyn was only 18 months old when she was taken from this earth. 2017 Caitlyn Belle Jolley CAITLYN BELLE JOLLEYĬaitlyn, the youngest of 3, was a vibrant toddler with golden-blonde, popcorn hair whose smile was warmly felt by all those she met.

Donate life rose parade float 2017