Organ Transplants and the Story of Cameron Bean

Right now there are more than 120-thousand Americans waiting for a donated organ.
But the number of registered donors continues to lag.
And thousand die every year when no organ is found.
This is National Organ Donation month, and here’s the story of one donor’s family.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast you probably knew the name Cameron Bean. He was a world class runner and athlete who was hit by a car and killed last September. That tragedy, however, led to life-saving transplants for 5 other people.

LISA BEAN, CAMERON’S MOTHER “Shortly after we were asked if we would donate his organs…and we immediately said yes.”

His mother says Cameron was a born athlete who was preparing to enter a triathlon when he died.

LISA BEAN “He was a steeplechase runner. And had been running since kindergarten.
He ran his whole life and he was just out for a training run on the afternoon he was hit.”

Lisa Bean says she knows that helping others is what Cameron would have wanted.
People Like Natalie Cochran are forever thankful for those who signed the donor cards like Cameron did.
She received her first kidney transplant in 1992. She has is a long-time educator who had a second transplant in 2012.

NATALIE COCHRAN, KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT “This is Organ Donation month, so this is the kickoff and our hope is to share our story and get others to eventually sign the Tennessee registry.”

KEVIN SPIEGLE, ERLANGER CEO “In 2015, Erlanger provided 26 donors the gift of life from these individuals resulted in 101 transplants…that’s 101 lives that were saved.”

Lisa Bean says despite her family’s loss, she was happy to be part of a life-saving event at Erlanger.

On another subject, she wants to warn motorists about what can happen on the road.

LISA BEAN “You know unfortunately tragedy happens like this ..and its very senseless…and people need to be aware ..especially in Chattanooga because that’s what so popular here now.”

Bean, Cochran, the CEO and others wrapped-up the morning’s program with the ceremonial raising of the organ donation flag.

The woman driver who struck and killed Cameron Bean was arrested and charged about three months after the incident.
According to Lisa Bean, she remains in the Hamilton county jail.