Grieving parents donate 5-month-old daughter’s organs, saving 3 lives

Doctors said there was nothing they could do to save the child, but they could use her organs to save others. And that’s exactly what happened. (KPHO)
Published: Apr. 22, 2024 at 3:46 AM EDT

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - A pair of grieving parents have found comfort after their baby girl’s death in knowing she saved three lives through organ donation.

Natali Moreno and Lee Mejia were devastated by the death of their 5-month-old daughter, Rosalia Grace Mejia. She had an assortment of health problems, and doctors said there was nothing they could do to save her, KPHO reports.

However, doctors said Rosalia’s organs could be used to save others, and her parents knew it was the right thing to do. Her heart, liver and kidneys were donated to two babies and one adult.

“It just brings us peace with it all, knowing that she’s able to give this miracle of life to other people,” Moreno said. “Her life is not just in the ground and gone. She’s going to be forever remembered by so many people.”

An honor walk for Rosalia was held Thursday inside the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. Friends, family and healthcare workers lined the hospital’s halls to pay tribute to the brave little girl who gave three others the gift of life.

“It really is miraculous,” Mejia said. “It’s inspirational to be her father and already have her do so many more things than me. I’m just proud, and anything we do from here on out is just honoring my beautiful daughter.”

Rosalia’s parents hope her story will inspire others.

“It’s changed people around us, saying, ‘We didn’t want to be organ donors, and now, we do.’ So, it’s a great thing,” Moreno said. “We’re blessed that she was able to do this for everyone and make an impact.”

“It’s been such a blessing making that decision,” Mejia said. “I can’t be any more thankful for that.”

GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.

For details on how to become an organ donor, click here.