A Heartfelt Gift as She Awaits Organs

Debra Stinson lived in fear. What if the hospital called with the news that could save her daughter’s life, and her car wouldn’t start?

What if a donor heart and lungs became available, and she couldn’t make it to UC San Diego Medical Center within the required two hours?

Her daughter, 23-year-old Jodi Riddle, had been only the second person in the United States with Down syndrome to be placed on a waiting list for an organ transplant. But that would do little good if Stinson’s troublesome 8-year-old car failed again at the critical moment.

That worry ended Tuesday, when the five dealers forming the Garden Grove Auto Center handed Stinson the keys to a new Toyota Corolla.

“I can’t believe this,” said Stinson, 46, whose months of pleas for help finally were answered.

“One day I was so frustrated, I knew I had to seek out help,” she said. “I started writing letters asking for help, and the Auto Center responded.”

As Stinson was handed the keys to the $15,000 car by Toyota Garden Grove General Manager Ray Daniels, Riddle made her trademark thumbs-up sign.

Riddle, who suffers from a congenital heart condition related to Down syndrome, carries an oxygen tank with her day and night and uses a wheelchair to limit her movement. Her heart condition has worsened over the past few years, forcing the 1997 Miss Orange County Special Olympics queen to abandon most of her activities and live a more sedate life.

Daniels said the car dealers responded to Stinson’s need because “it’s someone right here in our backyard who needs our help. We are fortunate we are able to do it.”

Stinson said her daughter has been overwhelmed at the thought of getting a new car. As a recent graduate of the Garden Grove Unified School District’s special education program, Riddle considers the new car a graduation gift.

“She watches ‘[Beverly Hills] 90210’ too much. She thinks all girls get new cars for graduation,” Stinson said.

With the logistical problem solved, the family will continue its vigil. Riddle recently was moved to the top of the waiting list.