GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The record number of opioid-related deaths in Kent County last year, a consequence of the nation's opioid epidemic, is nothing less than tragic. But the national crisis has an unexpectedly life-affirming result: More organs than ever are available for transplantation.
Just over a year ago, Laurie York Anderson discovered her 33-year-old son unconscious in his bedroom in Traverse City. Despite years in recovery, Ryan Anderson was overcome by his addiction to opioids, including Vicodin, and he died Feb. 1, 2017. His mother decided to honor his wishes to donate his organs.
His organs and tissue have helped dozens of people. His mother recently met the two men who received his heart and lungs.
There’s a part of my son helping them live,” York Anderson told Target 8. “That allowed me to take my pain out of me, right now, and look forward for their happiness. That was a wonderful gift.”
Her son was part of a grim growth industry in Michigan. For the last two years, state and national statistics show an annual increase in opioid-related deaths of about 20 percent. The figure jumped more than 50 percent in 2015.
Full story: WOOD TV