Decision to Donate

On Jun 25, 2009 Nicole Harding said:

thank you for creating this.  What a great story and I hope many many people get inspired by this!

On Jun 22, 2009 Leah Elliott said:

Oh me! What can I say but what a beautiful story! Watching this brought tears to my eyes. The love and dedication that you have for your family and friends is portrayed so eloquently and again beautifully. It was a pleasure to meet ya’ll and more so of a pleasure to be able to be blessed with the video.
- Sweetness

On Jun 15, 2009 Rob Fiser said:

Very nicely done.  Make more!

On Feb 03, 2009 Courtney R said:

IMPRESSIVE!

On Dec 12, 2008 John Backus said:

Hi LOVE the movie, can’t wait for it to come out in the theaters. Daddio

On Sep 20, 2008 Joyce Jackson said:

Congratulations on a beautifully presented story of the decision to donate a kidney to a friend.  As CEO of the Northwest Kidney Centers, I want to share that the Backus family are heroes for all of us who work with people living with the challenges of kidney disease every day.  You’ve made a profound difference for Larry-- and you will make a difference for many others as they learn about the power of donation.  We have a common cause… to bring life and hope to people with kidney problems and their family members and friends.  Kudos, and thank you for this new tool in our arsenal to promote organ donation.

On Jul 07, 2008 Doni Guyer said:

What a beautiful story and video.  Nearly four years ago I donated one of my kidneys anonymously.  Three months after my surgery I was able to meet Teri for the first time.  We now see each other a couple of times a year and talk or email on a regular basis.  Today I do volunteer work for the Living Legacy Foundation by going into 7 of our local high schools each semester and teach the freshman about the importance of organ and tissue donation.  I hope this video that you have done reaches many.  It is so important to get the word out.  Blessings to all of you.

On Jul 07, 2008 Tonya Lee said:

I was impressed when you told me that you donated a kidney to a friend but now that I have watched the film, I am speechless.  Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience with me.

On Jun 17, 2008 Cam Ragen said:

Now that I’ve seen the story in its entirety, I’m even more impressed than having just seen the trailer.  My favorite part is when Valerie walks into the recovery room post-surgery and walks into the light; it’s powerful imagery.  John: leading by example is a wonderful way to lead.  Great work to all involved!

On Jun 16, 2008 Julia Moore said:

Thank you for this inspiring story of your transplant. I am donating a kidney to my daughter, Kristie, on July 17th.  I too would like to get the word out about kidney donation using living donors.  I can’t wait to be able to talk about the experience afterwards. I am so happy that the two of you are healthy and all is well.  Kudos to the bravery of your two wives as well.  I think the hard part will be knowing my other daughter and my husband are in the waiting room...just waiting to hear how we are doing.

Julia Moore

On May 28, 2008 Kelsey said:

What a touching film- and a wonderful way to educate people on organ donation. Beautiful and beautifully done.

On May 18, 2008 Ann Powell said:

I love the film.  Very well done.  I think it will help others who are contemplating donation.  I talked to a group of young people about donation several months ago.  I wish I knew about the film then.  For people who have never considered organ donation, either living donation or indicating wishes on a driver’s license, this film should be inspiring.  Larry, you have amazing friends!  You look great!  Congratulations!  Your donor John and his family are heros.  -Ann

On May 16, 2008 Patty Bell said:

John, what an inspiration you (and your family and friends) are to us all!  Thank you for sharing this film.  I am proud to be associated with someone who possesses such content of character.  I may only hope and endeavor to be that kind of friend to those in my life.  This really does move one to get involved and make a difference.  How powerful is that!

On May 09, 2008 Nona & Papa said:

we are so proud of our grandson Massimo for documenting this life changing event we love you nona and papa

On May 07, 2008 Jovan Gayton said:

Bravo!  Bravo!  Bravo! 

John Steinbeck wrote, “It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him,” the Backus Family has proven that to be true.  Thank you for sharing the experience so all can learn.  God Bless!

Your Family Friend,
Jovan Edward Gayton

On May 02, 2008 Bill Lynch said:

Good one, all of you! It was the right decision. I’m proud to be your friend, AND cousin.

On May 01, 2008 Caroline said:

Massimo,
I am so proud of your accomplishment in making this movie and educating the public on organ donation. It is incredibly moving and I am very impressed with the final cut.
-Caroline

On May 01, 2008 Lauri Jones said:

Thanks so much for this great documentary!  This film echoed my own experience 5 years ago.  I am so grateful to have been able to give the “gift of life” to my brother.  I received a cornea Oct. 1, 2007, so I can now say that I have been both a donor and a recipient!  Thanks again for your thoughtful experiences.

On Apr 24, 2008 Nancy Lee Arts said:

Just of note to John and Larry:
Wanted to send a special THANK YOU for putting together the Decision to Donate video.
I’ve known the Hietpas family most of my life and been aware of the kidney problems that Larry, is sister, Barb, and their mother, Margaret, have struggled with for many years.
Their mother passed away at a young age from the kidney problems they share, Larry
has been blessed with a second successful transplant, and now Barb is in need of another kidney transplant.  The kidney she received about 11 years ago no longer functions and she has been on dialysis since May 2007.  A few people from Little Chute, her home town, have been tested to be possible kidney donors.  Although some folks tested were a blood match University Hospital in Madison, WI, feels that it will be difficult for Barb to find another compatiable donor.  Bard has had a lot of blood transfusions since May of 2007, due to bleeding hemmorrids, which caused/created a lot of antigens in her blood.  We are all hoping that Barb will be blessed with a new kidney just a her brother was. 
We’ve kept Larry and Barb in our prayers over the years and will continue to do so until all our prayers are answered. 
Again, thank you for this wonderful video.
Nan

On Apr 23, 2008 Marlene Green said:

A very interesting story...especially when one is related to the recipient, as I am.  So happy and thankful for the success story and John’s special gift.  Best wishes to all…

On Apr 23, 2008 gareth davis said:

brilliant video.
so well put together and so informative, thank you massimo

On Apr 22, 2008 Susie Naye said:

This was incredibly inspiring, not to mention “tear-producing”....I commend you, John and Val, for being the type of people who would not just talk about love but actually LIVE a loving life in this way.  I appreciated the fact that your son made the film, that he was given an example such as this, parents such as YOU both are, and felt so moved that he decided to actually make a short film about it.  I plan on sending this on to many of my friends to see and learn from.  Thank you so much for showing us all just how we all SHOULD behave with the ones we love.  I feel so honored to actually know you both.  (Thank Leslie for sending it on to me.)

On Apr 22, 2008 Barbara Franck said:

What a great learning tool. Having had a transplant myself, this surely gets the feelings of both sides out. Thank you for making this film.

On Apr 19, 2008 pinkie said:

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY. IT IS AN INSPIRATION TO WATCH THE JOURNEY OF THE 2 MEN AND THEIR BEAUTIFUL WIVES .
THE FILM WAS A VISUAL TREATBEAUTIFUL FOOTAGE EVERYONE WHO SAW IT WANTED TO LIVE WHERE THE 2 MEN LIVED. GREAT EDITING AND I LOVED THE CHOICE OF MUSIC. WHO IS THE NARRATOR? FAB VOICE!! A WELL DONE FILM OF LOVE AND HOPE PS I HOPE THE YOUNG MAN STILL LIVES AT HOME

On Apr 18, 2008 Hillary Nadell said:

I have known the Backus family for years and am always in awe of their generosity and kindness.  They do so much for so many and this blew me away.  I will be at the luncheon every year from now on and will do all I can to help this cause!  I have a red heart on my drivers license… Do you?  All my love- Hillary

On Apr 18, 2008 Susie Stoller said:

Massimo,
We are so proud of you and love your film.  WOW what a fantastic brother I have.  We love you very much!!!!
Susie & Phil

On Apr 17, 2008 Lonnie Oldham said:

John, Thank You for living your life with service and friendship out there.  You are putting it all on field each day and your leadership is inspiring to all of us who know you.  You help to inspire us to greater stretches of what it means to be there for each other.  With Brotherly Love, Lonnie

On Apr 17, 2008 LeslieLou and Lonnie Oldham said:

A wonderful film from a wonderful family for the wonder of LIFE.  This can be a legacy for anyone,
We were so touched by today’s gathering and so honored to be there with all of you.
We love you all and thank you.
Long life to all!!
L & L