Dee’s Story

Donate Life Illinois volunteer, Dee Tilton, has a remarkable story to share. Dee is a recipient wife and a donor mother, and she also has been a Donate Life Illinois volunteer for more than five years.

Dee’s donation and transplantation journey began 19 years ago when she met her husband, Jim Tilton, who is a 20-year kidney recipient. It was because his donor’s family said “yes” to donation that Dee and Jim have had 19 wonderful years together. “We want to give back and help others. Jim was given a healthy life by his donor’s family, and we are very grateful to them,” Dee explained.

Her journey continued in 2001 when her 33-year-old son, Jeffery Meyer, died and became an organ and tissue donor. “We are proud that Jeff had registered to be a donor and chose to help others,” Dee said. “When Jeff passed away, we saw how many people he gave new hope to. There are so many waiting for a lifesaving gift, and we want to do all we can to help them.”

Dee volunteering at a Peoria Chiefs’ game with Jesse White making a special appearance.

Over the years, Dee has helped lead Peoria area volunteers in countless activities from helping to register individuals as organ/tissue donors, to organizing public education and awareness opportunities.

“Dee is a remarkable and inspiring person,” said Jane Lee-Zimmer, Gift of Hope Volunteer Coordinator. “She has seen what donation can do, and how it can help grieving families to cope. She is committed to shining a light on the lifesaving gifts that donation gives.”

Dee and Jim’s family

Volunteering for Donate Life Illinois has become a family affair. Dee’s daughter, Christy, Jim’s daughter, Karin, and their two granddaughters all volunteer. “Jeffery’s two older daughters help in our volunteer work now, and it has helped them cope by honoring their Dad's gift – he is a hero to them,” Dee explained.

Unfortunately, Jim’s two children also inherited Polycystic Kidney Disease – the disease that led to Jim’s need for a transplant – and will most likely need transplants someday. Volunteering and spreading the word has become an essential part of saving their lives and staying positive.

“There are so many people waiting for that lifesaving gift of an organ, so we want to do all we can to give them that chance,” Dee said. “I am thankful for such dedicated volunteers. Our group is very close, and we enjoy working together; I could not lead this work if it weren't for them. They have all been affected by organ donation in one way or another. My volunteer friends are always there when I need help, and they continually search for ways to spread awareness – they really are a wonderful group.”

Although Dee is always willing to do whatever she can, some of her favorite projects include Morton’s Pumpkin Festival, Peoria Chiefs’ games and many of the smaller/intimate events. “She is a mover and a shaker, and she is out there truly making a difference by making sure we never miss an opportunity to tell the public about organ and tissue donation,” Lee-Zimmer commented. “If she can’t be there, she helps find other remarkable volunteers who can.”

For Dee, it’s more than just helping others receive the gift of life and providing families with a positive outcome in the midst of tragedy – it’s all things combined. “We want to make people aware of how important it is to register as a donor.” 

“Dee is in a special group of people who see an opportunity to make a difference and act on it every chance they get,” said Lee-Zimmer. “For her, and her family’s hard work and dedication, we are all grateful and inspired.”

To become a Donate Life Illinois volunteer or to register as an organ, tissue and eye donor, visit www.donatelifeillinois.org.