FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WRAL) – A North Carolina family who turned their 15-year-old daughter’s tragic death into hope by donating her organs met the teenager who received her heart.
John and Mayda Minsk’s 15-year-old daughter, Celina Minsk, died in February 2023 after a severe allergic reaction. The teenager, who was allergic to peanuts, ate a cookie that was labeled nut free, but the treat turned out to be made almost entirely of almond flour.
“She loved to go on adventures. We’d take her on trips with us, cruises, and she was just very… She was just amazing,” John Minsk said.
After Celina died, her parents decided to donate her organs, saying it was not a hard decision for them to make. That decision ended up saving lives, including that of Haley Poore, who received Celina’s heart.
“Honestly, she’s a hero. She saved five lives,” said Mayda Minsk of her daughter. “She’s a spiritual warrior, and I think she was here for a purpose.”
This year, in February, the Minsks got to meet 16-year-old Haley and the rest of her family and listen to the heart their daughter gave.
“I’m forever thankful,” Haley said.
Kristie Poore, Haley’s mother, wrote a letter to the Minsk family after the transplant.
“I wanted them to feel when they read that letter how sincere and how thankful we were for what they did for my daughter,” she said. “This was her second chance.”
While Haley’s journey after the transplant has not been easy, the teenager can now walk long distance instead of running out of breath after only walking a short distance.
“I think it’s great for anybody to be a donor,” said Curt Poore, Haley’s father. “To give other people a second chance… we’re thankful and grateful for that gift.”
The two families say they’re only growing closer as Celina’s gift continues to beat on each and every day.
“It’s not going to end here,” Kristie Poore said. “Celina is going to live on through Haley.”
Through their story, the Minsk family wants to highlight not only the importance of being an organ donor but also the importance of being vigilant about the danger food allergies can pose.
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