Meet Linda Lee Hickerson: Donate Life’s Newest Board Member has a Passion to Serve

Linda Lee Hickerson, an outgoing resident of Ellicott City, Maryland joined the Donate Life Maryland (DLM) Board of Directors in August. DLM is a state-authorized nonprofit organization serving Maryland. Lee Hickerson, a Howard County Volunteer of the Year for 2015, has a long history of  stepping up to volunteer and lend a hand to worthy causes with great commitment and a passion to serve others.

 “I like to help people,” Lee Hickerson said. “This will be the fifth board I’ve been able to serve on.”

Lee Hickerson volunteered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for over 25 years where she encountered Lisa Spicknall, who is now DLM’s executive director. Lee Hickerson recently stepped down from MADD, to take care of an ill husband, work full-time, and juggle other matters. Despite her husband, Brian Hickerson’s passing, Hickerson regained her momentum to return to the volunteer space. Her heart to serve, joy of talking to people, affinity for networking, and desire to illustrate a compassionate spirit remained intact. Spicknall told Lee Hickerson that she would love for her to become a DLM board member. Hickerson welcomed the opportunity.

Lee Hickerson reflected on meeting people she encountered who had been touched by organ donation.

“Years ago, in another life, I sold new homes. I had a client who was a heart transplant patient, and I was so impressed with his will to live… and his always being careful. He would call me before an appointment, and he’d say, ‘Just checking in. Are we still on? And I’d say, ‘Yes, sir, we are.’ And I’d wipe everything down in my office,” she recalled.

Lee Hickerson, a savvy sales professional who sold new homes for 25 years, recalled having a sinus infection and being on antibiotics. Her client postponed their appointment so that he would not put himself in harm’s way. Lee Hickerson reminisced about the way he spoke up and shared the reason for his delayed appointment. She continues to retain sensitivity for people with failed organs and individuals who have dealt with health problems. Lee Hickerson, who is now retired, later worked in the development office at a local hospital.

During Lee Hickerson’s downtime, she loves to read, bake, listen to music, partake in crafts, and volunteer to support causes such as organ donation. “My father always said, ‘You need to give back to the community,’ and that’s what I do,” she explained.

Lee Hickerson is a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor who puts fear aside, even when doubtful remarks are made about her decision. She previously refuted the idea that medical professionals would not do everything to save her if she signed up to become a donor and happened to experience a life-threatening medical emergency.

 “I said, ‘That’s not true.’ It’s a common myth that people are afraid of…, but I’m not afraid. I embrace it. If there’s something I can do to help someone else, and I don’t need them [organs] anymore, then why not?” she added.

Since she has volunteered on other boards, she is comfortable getting the word out about DLM and clearing up myths and incorrect information.

In fact, Hickerson Lee has already started using social media to share about DLM and start a conversation about organ, eye, and tissue donation amongst family and friends. She posted about the DLM’s unanimous approval of her by the board.

“I had 60 of the most complimentary posts,” Lee Hickerson shared.

People in her circle openly chimed in about their organ donor status. One friend shared that her husband’s organs were recently donated to science because he had a rare cancer. They wanted to help people despite their own situation.

 “That’s why I said, if I’m going to be gone and someone can use any one of my organs, or skin grafts, eyes or whatever it is, then God bless them. Let’s do it. Let’s give that gift of life!’” Lee Hickerson added.

Regarding her selection as a Donate Life Board member, a host of people congratulated her and agreed that adding her was a great decision.

“I wake up every morning thankful and blessed. I know I’ve had some hard times, but there’s other people out there that are having a harder day or a rougher day. And to me, if there’s something I can do to help, I want to do it,” Lee Hickerson stated.

Please visit Donate Life Maryland via https://www.donatelifemaryland.org  to learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation.