Arkansas Gift of Life Ceremony 2002

On March 25, 2002, we were honored to be able to attend the Gift of Life Ceremony at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion and speak on behalf of donor families. Governor and Mrs. Huckabee and their staff held a wonderful and touching ceremony to honor and recognize the families of fourteen Arkansas residents who recently gave the "gift of life."

Text of Our Speech

    Pete Johnson, a liver transplant recipient in 1996, spoke on behalf of organ recipients. Pete Johnson and Governor Huckabee co-chair the Delta Regional Authority in Clarksdale, Mississippi. In a rare coincidence, the liver he received was donated by the son of Chris and Margo Weiser, close personal and political friends of Governor Huckabee for many years. They were able to meet face-to-face for the first time prior to the ceremony.
    U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson delivered a "thank you" to the donor families on behalf of President Bush along with his own thanks and word of encouragement. Secretary Thompson pioneered the "gift of life" ceremony concept while governor of Wisconsin.
    After Secretary Thompson's remarks, handshakes and hugs - and tears - flowed as the Secretary and Governor Huckabee made their way down each row presenting each donor family with a special crystalline silhouette of the state of Arkansas inscribed:

Gift of Life

In honor of those who have shared the gift of life.

Presented by
Governor Mike Huckabee