Tonight’s episode is about a family of four. A single mother, two girls, and an exceptional teen named Ransom… In a span of merely 3 months their whole lives would be turned upside down, and one would die.

Faith Tipton-Smith is a single mother raising two girls, 16-year-old Missy and 8-year-old Emily. After working at the same job for 25 years, Faith was finally able to purchase her first home in July of 2004. On February 4, 2005 the unthinkable happened when this new home that Faith and her family had worked so hard for burned to the ground. They lost everything, including countless cheerleading trophies, family pictures, clothes and even their dog, Sugar. This family lost everything they cherished and loved. But, most importantly, everybody in the family was safe. During this time, Faith’s 16-year-old son, Ransom, was her biggest support, helping his sisters with school, keeping the family together and, as time allowed, playing his favorite sport — golf.

On May 4, 2005, exactly three months to the day after the fire, the Tipton-Smiths’ lives were shattered when Missy, their friend, Alex, and Ransom were involved in a car crash. Missy survived, but Alex and Ransom did not.

(Ransom)

One of the inspiring moments in the show came early when the demolition crew was gathered around the house (probably over 200 people) plus Ransom’s other friends, and Ty asks, “who here is an organ donor”, and everyone, I mean everyone, just rose their hand. Each and every single one of them were organ donors. Because not only was ransom an exceptional son, helping out with the family needs, he was also an organ donor. And after his death, four of his organs were donated. One of those organs went to a 19 year old girl who would have died if not for the heart that belonged to Ransom.

The team decided to make a sign that said “Slow Down” near the place where Ransom met his fateful end.

Another part of the show was when Faith came home early to meet the girl who received Ransom’s heart. And the surprises didn’t end there, because waiting in the school’s auditorium was the whole school as they applauded in praise for Ransom and his gift of life…

Let’s not forget the house, because it is just so beautiful…

(photocredit: via)

The Kitchen

(photocredit: via)

And some other good news… the community, the entire community.. paid their mortgage for them.

This is what I mean when I say, that yes — we can make a difference. We can help. Because there are good people out there who need our help.

In death there is life, in death we move on, and in death we can become even more united… There is life in death, and exceptional individuals such as Ransom, and a family such as the Tipton-Smith’s are great examples of this.

For more information on organ donation, here are some links:
Organdonor.gov
United Networks for Organ Sharing
Medline Plus