Organ donor Karly Barker’s legacy is carried on by her loving family

Hilmar, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2024) — Karly Barker grew up in Hilmar, California, and smiled through life. Karly, a lifelong dancer, cheered for Hilmar High and planned on becoming a pediatrician. Before her second year at University of California, Merced, Karly switched to teaching, following in the footsteps of her mother, Daneen Barker, who is a kindergarten teacher of more than 30 years. Her giving spirit and zest for life was felt by those around her.

Karly Barker attended Hilmar High.

“Karly was one-of-a-kind,” said Daneen. “When she walked into the room, everyone knew it.”

When Karly passed her driver’s permit test at 15 years old, she proudly announced to her mom that she registered to be an organ donor, just like her parents. In August 2013, at 19 years old, Karly suffered a sudden brain aneurysm. In the hospital, doctors told the Barker family Karly wouldn’t recover, but they knew she would want to save others. Donor Network West helped facilitate the donation of her major organs including her heart, kidneys, pancreas and liver, which went to four recipients on the national transplant waiting list.

Karly’s vivacious energy has lived on through the people she’s saved and those who remember her. The Barker family has connected with four of Karly’s recipients who were given a second chance at life thanks to her gifts.

For the past decade, the Barkers have participated in the annual Donor Network West Run/Walk. The event celebrates the resilience of the organ donation community and the significant impact each participant can make toward providing hope to those in need of a life-saving transplant.

Daneen Barker with Jeff Jackson at the Donor Network West Run/Walk.

Jeff Jackson received Karly’s pancreas and liver, and he joined the Barkers at the Run/Walk in 2014. Every year since, Team #KarlyNetwork has been composed of the Barkers, family members and friends who loved Karly and continue to honor her memory. Daneen says the Run/Walk has helped the family navigate their loss by meeting others affected by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“We enjoy the Run/Walk year after year,” said Barker. “It’s a day that we can celebrate and honor Karly, but also recognize all of the recipients who received life-saving gifts.”

The Run/Walk serves as a reminder of Karly’s impact on her loved ones, and her legacy of generosity. Since her passing, many of Karly’s friends have signed up to be organ donors and continue to encourage others to do so as well. The Barker family has honored Karly through educating others about organ donation, and started a scholarship at Hilmar High in her memory.

Karly is one of many organ donor heroes who have given the gift of life. More than 10,000 people across Donor Network West’s service area are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation here.