Donating A Brother's Heart And Kidneys A Tough Decision

TRENTON - Rosalia Vidal Rodriguez's first reaction when she was asked if her family wanted to donate her brother Nolman's organs was no.

"I initially said no because I was so overwhelmed and devastated," she said. "It was at first very difficult because I just couldn’t believe my brother was gone. He was so young and now he was dead, all of a sudden."

Nolman was only 24 when he died from a gunshot wound that was "not intended for him," she said.

"Nolman was a young, kind, caring and giving man," she said. "He was so full of life. He was a big dreamer and had so many aspirations. He came to the United States in search of fulfilling more dreams that were unfortunately cut very short by unjust violence."

But her mother, who lives in Honduras, had the final say when it came to her son's organ donation. She said yes.

"She said that we should have him continue to live on in others by saving people’s lives," she said. "This way we still have a piece of him in the world and he is not truly gone. He had not shared his wishes with us as we never imagined finding ourselves in this situation."

Rosalia and some other family members recently met Robert Fisher of Ocean Gate, the man whose life was saved by the gift of Nolman's heart and kidneys.

To say it was emotional would be an understatement.

Family members listened to Nolman's heartbeat through a stethoscope, now beating inside of Robert.

"There were mixed emotions," Rosalia said. "I was very happy to know that my brother’s heart was beating in someone else and saved a life. It was very emotional to hear his heart beat – it was just as strong as he was. But I was also sad because the person I was hugging was another body and not my brother."

Nolman's other kidney, his pancreas, liver, both lungs and corneas were also donated to others.

Nolam was only 24 when he died. The family had never discussed organ donation because they never imagined they would be in that situation.

"I would encourage people to have those discussions no matter their age," she said. "Ultimately, my mother’s wish is to one day hear my brother’s heartbeat in Robert and the hope of that keeps her alive."

Robert is Ocean Gate resident Robert Fisher. He received Nolam's heart and a kidney. To read his story, click here.

Photos: New Jersey Sharing Network