A Daughter Lost. A Daughter Saved

Separated by hundreds of miles, two families are knitted together by a surgeon's work.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports a Broken Arrow family now has a life-long bond with a family from Tennessee.

Blowing out birthday candles is something some of us take for granted.  That's not the case for Myka Glennie.  A couple of years ago, a deep breath was almost impossible.

Her air was pumped by a machine.  After 15 years of battling cystic fibrosis, her lungs were on the verge of giving out.  They'd collapsed twice and her coughing fits were stained with blood.

"I think we need to hurry and get a lung transplant.  A week ago yesterday. She had to have another little ambulance ride. She was coughing up blood again. And, I don't know how much longer we can hold out," said Myka's mother, Pam Glennie.

A few months later, Myka's prayers were answered, just as someone else's weren't.

Hundreds of miles from Tulsa, a life cut short made it possible to save one being shortened by disease.  Another teen, 17-year-old LaMetra Walker, was killed in a hit and run accident.

Her mother says the teenager always wanted to help others, even in death.

"She said you make sure that you remember I'm going to be a donor, and I'm thinking well she's going to bury me first.  Things happen for a reason," said LaMetra's mother, Monica Walker.

The source of one mother's grief was able to ease another mother's pain.  LaMetra's lungs saved Myka's life.

"Whenever you're able, they get you up and walking as soon as possible in the ICU area. And, everybody said I just got up and ran," said Myka Glennie.

Two years later, Myka's still running strong.  And, two families changed in a single breath have now met for the first time.

When Monica Walker grabbed a hold of Myka, she was able to hold on to a bit of her little girl.

"Oh it feels incredible.  I can't describe it.  Really, it's just an awesome feeling because it makes me feel like she's still here," said LaMetra's mother, Monica Walker.

LeMetra Walker actually saved four lives because she also donated her heart and kidneys.

More than 100,000 people are on the waiting list for an organ.  It is possible to make a difference by checking the box on your driver's license.