Shannon Silvestri -078

Nothing feels more incredible than saving someone’s life. -Shannon Silvestri Meet Shannon Silvestri: wife, mother, marathoner, coach, fitness instructor and organ donor. A longtime resident of the little seaside town of Beverly, Massachusetts, Shannon was a champion field hockey player who received a scholarship to Boston College where she was later inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. When her daughters were born, Shannon made the decision to be a stay at home mom, diving head first into volunteer work for their school and town as a coach and at the Beverly YMCA as a fitness instructor. A billboard in town showed the picture of a woman named Deb Debski and the question: “Could you be the one?” You see, Deb was in desperate need of a liver transplant. Shannon called the number on the billboard to see if she could be tested as a match. “I felt like God called me to do this, and if I didn’t do it, I knew Deb would die.” Many tests later, Shannon was told she was a perfect match for Deb. The lengthy surgery was performed and Deb’s life was saved. “It’s overwhelming to think there’s a part of me inside her, keeping her alive” says Shannon. “I call her my other half”. We call this story inspiring. If you have ever thought about organ donation, this episode is for you. #motherrunner #americanliverfoundation @BWME #storybehindhersuccess #16LifeLessons #mydoveproductions