At the August Weirton City Council meeting, Mayor Dean M. Harris recognized two special ladies who have made an incredible impact on our community.
We are grateful they shared their story and are using their experiences to educate and advocate for people to become organ donors. West Virginia Donor Day is recognized on August 1 each year to celebrate those who save and heal lives as organ, tissue, and cornea donors. More than 100,000 individuals in the United States are currently on the national transplant waiting list. In 2021, Jennifer Brueck received the heartbreaking news that she would need a kidney transplant and was listed on three transplant wait lists, praying and waiting for a miracle. In February of 2023, Marie Mascio sat two seats away from Jennifer at John Michael Salon and overheard Jennifer discussing her need for a donor. God began to work on Marie’s heart and through prayer and discussion with her husband, Steve, and children, Lydia and Marissa, Marie felt God moved her to find out if she was a donor match for Jennifer. After required testing and preparation, it was determined Marie was a perfect match. On April 10, 2023, Marie Mascio blessed Jennifer Brueck with the gift of life and more time with her family, Jim, Jordan, and Justin, all who heroically serve the Weirton Fire and Police Departments.
Thank you Marie Mascio for courageously giving part yourself to give life to another. Thank you Jennifer Brueck for your commitment to educate and advocate for organ donation. Thank you both for sharing your personal experience to encourage others to save lives.
