Voices of Hope
Heartfelt Testimonials from our Donor Families
At Coppel Consulting, LLC. ™, we find our inspiration in the incredible stories of strength, resilience, and compassion demonstrated by the families we have the privilege to serve. We invite you to explore these heartfelt testimonials and to join us in celebrating the legacy of love and life that our donors and their loved ones create.
In 2007, doctors gave Dick just a month to live. Thanks to the generosity of a stranger, Brian Pavel, whose decision to be an organ donor on his driver's license saved Veale's life, Dick received a new heart and liver.
Dave Hollon's life was transformed when a 16-year-old girl from Murrieta, California, chose to become an organ donor on her driver's license. Her decision saved four lives, including Dave's, who received her pancreas and now considers himself a former diabetic.
Bethany Vogel received knee tissue from an organ donor, preserving her ability to walk. Tragically, her husband, Erich Vogel, deepened her connection to organ donation when he passed away from a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of compassion by donating his eyes, tissue, and bones to help 64 individuals in need.
“Thank you for your compassion and guidance through everything.”
Thank you so much Rob for everything you did for the family through all of this and all the care and respect you gave. There was so much you told and shared with me that gave me a different perspective on how to see this, making some of the hurt not seem so bad, and I truly thank you for that.
Thank you for your compassion and guidance through everything. I’m not sure how these events usually go but you definitely made things easier for us during the process.
“Thank you for your loving kindness, gentleness, and compassion in our darkest hour”
Rob, you underestimate the role you played in the larger picture of my 16-month-old grandson, Kye’s, passing. When the Sheriff's Department showed up at my home the day after Kye was declared brain dead, they told my son Daniel that he should reconsider organ donation because it could hinder the investigation. In the darkness of his grief, my son stopped the process.
Then, the hospital called telling us that we needed to get back to the hospital to say our final goodbyes because they could no longer keep him on life support if he was not going to be a donor. With a police escort, we got to the hospital. I remember gathering around my grandson weeping as a family when you entered the room and asked to speak to me outside. You asked why Daniel had reversed his decision. When I explained about the conversation with the Sheriff's department, you explained the process and even put me in touch with the coroner who then assured me that he would not remove an organ if there was any evidential importance to the case. I remember you being in the room and speaking directly with my son. You were so calm, respectful, and gentle with him. It was you, your words, your assurance, and his willingness to help others that reversed that decision.
Your compassion towards my son in his weakness made all the difference. Today, the 2-year-old and 21-year-old donor recipients are living lives they never expected to live had it not been for that life-saving decision. Watching them reach new milestones has been a huge part of our healing as a family.
So, a heartfelt thank you will always be in order. I know your job can sometimes be a thankless one but from this Donor Grandma.......I say thank you for your loving kindness, gentleness, and compassion in our darkest hour. I will always remember you.
“You've been so helpful
and responsive to us.”
You've been so helpful and responsive to us. You are so awesome. Everything has been amazing with you guys; the support and care, along with the compassion we've been shown! Thank you!
“I can confidently say that Rob Coppel is not just one of the best—he's THE best in the industry.”
During my 15+ years in the OPO industry, I've worked with over a hundred Family Support staff. I've seen how they talk to healthcare professionals and have been part of many sensitive conversations with grieving families about donations. From this, I can confidently say that Rob Coppel is not just one of the best—he's THE best in the industry.
What makes Rob stand out is his ability to effectively communicate with both the healthcare teams and grieving families, simultaneously- both equally important for the conversion of potential donors. Rob has a take-charge attitude, leading healthcare huddles to determine time-sensitive plans, and effectively guiding difficult conversations with the utmost compassion and empathy. Not only is Rob well-versed with Spanish-speaking families, he is able to comprehensively explain difficult and emotional concepts in unique ways to a wide variety of culturally diverse populations.
Rob’s professionalism and engaging public speaking skills have led him to be a great teacher and leader. Learning from Rob and his team of professionals will give any OPO Family Support Team a leg up in the industry.
“What makes Rob unique is that he is competent and proficient in Hospital Development…”
Rob Coppel is an experienced, knowledgeable, and reputable professional in the organ donation field. I worked with Rob for more than 13 years in organ procurement. What makes Rob unique is that he is competent and proficient in Hospital Development, Family Care, and diverse clinical and hospital environments. He works with hospital personnel (physicians, nurses, social services, etc.) to facilitate a collaborative approach to preparing families for the donation conversation. Understanding that each family is different, Rob develops a strategic approach for each donation conversation. We’ve partnered with hospital partners to transition numerous grieving families through the delicate conversation of organ donation for consideration in their end-of-life decisions for their loved ones. Rob is passionate about the work he does and is a well-spoken and compelling presenter. He is a mentor and esteemed among his colleagues. Working alongside Rob has been an enlightening experience and I highly recommend Coppel Consulting.
*Testimonials edited for clarity and privacy.