Submitted by Indiana Donor Network
Erica Freeman-Swaim’s brother, Jarred, was 23 when he suffered a heart attack on Christmas Eve in 2022. He was kept alive by mechanical support until doctors told the family he wouldn’t survive.
Freeman-Swaim with her family made the selfless decision to donate her brother’s heart valves, veins, bone, and skin to help save and heal others.
“Our parents always told us the best way to serve others is to give – give to others before and after life,” she said. “Jarred did that.”
Indiana Donor Network Foundation has awarded Freeman-Swaim a $2,000 scholarship. Each year, the foundation awards educational scholarships to deserving family members of Hoosier organ and tissue donors, transplant recipients, living donors and others. Recipients often become advocates for organ and tissue donation. The scholarships are funded by the foundation and contributions by Indiana Donor Network employees.
Those eligible for scholarships include both traditional and nontraditional students who submit an essay describing their career goals, experience with organ and tissue donation and transplantation, and personal goals.
“My brother gave the best of himself to help others through donation,” Freeman-Swaim said. “I know he’d be pleased that he was able to be a donor and to help others. Being generous is what he valued most in life.”
Freeman-Swaim, a graduate of Noblesville High School, attends Indiana Wesleyan University and is studying occupational therapy and hippotherapy.
About the Indiana Donor Network
Indiana Donor Network’s mission is to save and enhance the quality of life through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Its vision is to be a leader in organ and tissue recovery. Founded in 1987, the organization coordinates donation in 85 of the state’s 92 counties and serves transplant hospitals throughout the U.S. Despite age or medical history, anyone can sign up to be a donor at DonateLifeIndiana.org. Learn more about the Indiana Donor Network here.