GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Tavin and Annie Fiser spent their Friday tying knots into fleece blankets. The comfort blanket will go to families of organ donors, given often as the families say their final goodbyes.
The Fisers have their own comfort blanket. One year ago, father and husband, Scott Fiser, passed away from a stroke. Scott was an organ donor, and gave the gift of life to four others.
"It gives us comfort and peace and solace that he could help others," said Tavin.
The comfort blanket was given to the Fisers ahead of his Honor Walk. Hospital members at Corewell Health lined the hallways as the family said their final goodbye to Scott, right before he gave his gift.
"It was nice to take it home with us," said Annie. "Because that was the last blanket he had on."
The comfort blanket program is organized through Gift of Life Michigan. Multiple stations were set up on Corewell Health's campus Friday as people tied the edges of the fleece blankets, preparing them for other families.
April is National Gift of Life Month, encouraging organ donation and recognizing those who made the life-giving decision. Every eight minutes, someone is added to the national transplant waiting list, along with 100-thousand others already waiting for organ transplants.
"When you're at the Secretary of State renewing your license, maybe look at that box and just really think about the impact that that could have on someone else," said Tavin.
Tavin said Scott liked country music, passing the love of the genre to his children. His favorite song was played during his honor walk.
"He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity with junior achievement, and just was always giving back to others," said Tavin.
"Maybe this will help people consider to give back to help others," said Annie. "And that's how something good can come out of a tragedy."
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