Submitted by Indiana Donor Network
Ainsley Strothkamp enjoyed her sunny trip to Florida in December. She and her soccer teammates, coached by Strothkamp’s dad, Mark, played in a weekend tournament in Orlando.
“He and I always had a special and unspoken bond that was fostered from him being my coach,” she said. “He loved helping us develop on and off the field and sharing his passion for soccer with others.”
But two days after the family returned home to Carmel, tragedy struck. Mark suffered a massive stroke and after six days on mechanical support, doctors told the family he’d never regain consciousness. A family friend with them at the hospital asked if Mark was registered as an organ donor. They didn’t know.
“Thinking about donating my dad’s organs was just too much to bear,” Strothkamp said. Family members discussed their options and ultimately made the decision to donate. But they didn’t have to as Mark was already a registered donor.
“He selflessly made that decision,” she said. “Being an organ donor saves the lives of others. It also provided a sense of purpose and gave us hope as a grieving family. It was comforting to know we knew exactly what my father wanted.”
Strothkamp has been awarded an $8,000 scholarship by Indiana Donor Network Foundation. Each year, the foundation awards educational scholarships to deserving family members of Indiana 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.
“Although the heartache I feel seems unbearable at times, I know I’m lucky to have had a loving, caring and heroic father for 18 years,” Strothkamp said. “One day, I will be a successful professional who gives back to the community and spreads positivity.”
Strothkamp, a graduate of Carmel High School, will study engineering at Purdue University beginning this fall.
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.