Tristan M. Hackman

Type of Donation:             Organ donor

Age and Location:             Age 28 – Indianapolis, IN

Donation Date:                  May 31, 2015

Sponsor:                               Honored by Indiana Donor Network in partnership with Donate Life Indiana

TRISTAN’S STORY

Thoughtful, considerate, athletic, compassionate, artistic – that’s who Tristan Hackman was.

Growing up, Tristan believed that everyone deserved second chances. Her compassion for others, especially children, is what made her a wonderful person to all who knew her.

When Tristan died at the age of 28 in 2015, her mother, Tammy Hackman, was reminded of her daughter’s giving spirit and knew donating her organs was something she would have wanted.

“We weren’t really sure whether she wanted to donate, but all of the conversation around donation was so positive that day, we felt at ease knowing we, and Tristan, were doing something to help someone else,” Tammy says.

Tristan’s heart, kidneys, liver and lungs were donated to people in need of lifesaving organ transplants. The Hackmans sent letters anonymously to the recipients. One man, who received both of Tristan’s lungs, wrote back.

“We received his letter the day after Thanksgiving, and that meant a lot,” Tammy says. “We learned that before the transplant, he had really been struggling and was on oxygen 24/7. Today, he’s received a good bill of health, is off oxygen and is traveling and doing lots of things. It’s very gratifying.”

Tammy and her husband, Bret, are raising Tristan’s son, Bryce. A straight-A student like his mom, Bryce is doing well, Tammy says, and enjoys playing baseball and swimming, a sport his mom excelled at as a member of the North Central High School and Riviera Club swim teams.

“Tristan was a giving person all of her life, and she loved to help people,” says Tammy. “I know she’d be pleased to know that others have the opportunity to explore life even more.”