Douglas “DJ” Jordan had been living quite a full and accomplished life. A retired master sergeant, Jordan served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, visiting places like Turkey, Singapore and Croatia. And he didn’t merely land in these countries, he also sang in them, performing as a vocalist in a military jazz ensemble. And if that wasn’t showcase enough for his talents, the officer even got to flaunt his gamesmanship on The Price is Right, where he won a car (not to mention a chandelier).

Sin embargo, nada de esto presagiaba el futuro de Jordan: A través de una agotadora serie de acontecimientos médicos, acabaría recibiendo un trasplante de hígado y dos de riñón. La buena noticia: Jordan se convertiría en un defensor de la donación de órganos.

His story: In 2008, six years after retirement, Jordan was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver — a condition that would require a transplant. Rather than take swift action, Jordan stalled — his condition worsening so much that one day he found himself 100 miles from home mindlessly wandering the streets of Richmond, Va., mistaken as a homeless person (the toxins from his failing liver were causing severe mental confusion).

Jordan was found and hospitalized in time to receive a liver transplant. But he had put treatment off for so long, his condition also damaged one of his kidneys. Now Jordan needed two organ transplants.

The ex-master sergeant lucked out: A liver and kidney from two benevolent deceased organ donors became available, and he underwent surgery for a double organ transplant. Unfortunately, his new kidney failed, and Jordan needed yet a third transplant — which again, luckily, he got.

Jordan, ahora receptor de un triple trasplante, aprovecha su propia experiencia para informar a los demás sobre el valor de inscribirse como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos.