Last Sunday’s front-page story about a mother losing her two
children and donating their organs and thus saving nine lives has hit home for many Tennessean readers.
Reporter Mitchell Kline told a heartbreaking yet uplifting story in large part through the eyes of Kimberly McCulley. Her daughter, Desiree McCulley, 12, and son, Nicholas Rushing, 16, were killed within a year of each other.
I think all of us ached for the families in the story.
More than 20 readers have called and sent e-mails to Kline many of them organ recipients who were touched by the story.
“I can’t put into words how much we organ recipients appreciate articles like yours,” Julie Damon of Brentwood said. “It was beautifully written. I received the first liver Vanderbilt transplanted 15 years ago. You don’t have enough time to learn of all the fabulous events I have experienced these past years. You touched so many hearts that lives will be saved because of your article.”
Tom Spencer of Burns, Tenn., said he is a “donor father.”
“My daughter Cortney died 4 years ago, and we went through the same experience as the ladies in your article,” Spencer said. “I want to thank you for taking the time to make the people of Middle Tennessee aware of the impact that organ donation has on so many families. I, too, have met the recipient of one of my daughter’s kidneys, and that was a very moving experience.”
And reader Rebecca Dorris of Brentwood said:
“It was so well-written and also was very educational to the general public to alleviate myths and fears. Thanks for such a good article that should benefit many and give life.”
I talked with Kline, who has been a reporter in our Williamson office since 2002, about how he was able to get close to the families to tell their stories.
Kline is described by his editors as someone who gets stories like this one because he listens well, is kind-spirited and approachable.
He initially covered the news story when McCulley’s son, Nicholas, was shot and killed by a friend.
Nina Rushing, Nicholas’ stepmother, told Kline that the teenager’s organs were donated to several people and mentioned that a 15-year-old girl received his heart and lungs.
“I knew then that I had a chance to tell a compelling story that would shine a light on organ donation and put a face on the usually anonymous people involved,” Kline said.
Days later, Kline received a news release from Vanderbilt about a 15-year-old girl being the first person to receive a heart and double-lung transplant at the children’s hospital.
“Putting two and two together, I contacted Vanderbilt but was told the families did not wish to be interviewed at that time,” he said.
The families needed time to heal, but Kline kept checking to see if they had a change of heart.
They finally agreed to let Kline tell their story.
And what a story it is.
The story and photographs show compassion and love that these families have for each other, and how organ donations can save lives.
Two lives lost tragically. Nine lives saved.
Kline said it was a very emotional interview for him.
“I cried right along with them,” he said.
Kline has been overwhelmed by the readers’ reaction to the story.
“That’s why I got into journalism, to make a difference,” Kline said.
“Someone once asked me if I’d rather be covering the war in Iraq or national politics. I told them I’d rather write stories that are closer to home, that affect people on a more personal and direct level. I love working for the hometown paper.”
We know there are many good news stories of other Middle Tennesseans who have shown great courage.
We are interested in telling those stories. Please feel free to e-mail me your story ideas, and I will pass them along to the appropriate editors.
If you missed last week’s story, I encourage you to go to Tennessean.com and type in keyword TRANSPLANT.
