Daniel Ford was a modest, humble resident of Wyndmoor whose name never appeared in a headline during his 41 years of life, but because of his selfless decision, he saved the lives of several people with serious medical issues.

According to Ford's widow, Jennifer (nee Curran), “Dan was the funniest and most caring person, but above all, he was the best father, husband, son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. His quick wit and sense of humor brought joy to everyone around him, and he was always ready with a joke or insightful advice, providing comfort to those he loved. Dan was incredibly smart, especially when it came to sports, and his deep knowledge often amazed those around him. He was truly one in a million.”

Ford was born in Northeast Philadelphia, but his family moved to Glenside when he was young. He graduated from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor. His wife, “Jenn,” was also born in Northeast Philadelphia and moved with her family to Oreland, where she attended Springfield Township High School. 

“Dan and I grew up a couple blocks from each other,” Jenn told the Local, “but we did not know each other until one day when we met in our 20s in Glenside. Then we were friends for a few years.”

After an extended courtship, Jenn and Dan were married on March 17, 2017 (St. Patrick's Day). In 2020, they moved from Oreland to Wyndmoor. Together they had one daughter, Breeanna, 13, who will be attending Springfield Township High School in the fall.

Dan attended Shippensburg University for one year but did not continue his education. He was working on a construction project in New Jersey on Aug. 26 last year when he suddenly suffered a stroke and was rushed to Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, NJ, a hub for kidney, liver and pancreas transplants.  Before long, Ford was placed on life support, and the family made a decision to allow him to die peacefully on Sept. 7.

“This came out of nowhere,” Jenn told the Local. “They never did determine a cause, but we were told there was a brain bleed. Dan was a little heavy, but he was healthy and strong. He did not smoke, drink or use drugs. He did make the decision to donate his tissues and organs after his death to those who needed them.”

NJ Sharing Network, a nonprofit organization responsible for organ and tissue recovery in New Jersey, leads community initiatives and shares inspiring stories of families touched by donation. They worked with Jenn to carry out Dan's wishes, which they say may save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.

“National Donate Life Month, which is every April, is a time to honor the lasting legacies of organ and tissue donors,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “In New Jersey, we celebrate those who gave the gift of life, offer hope to those still waiting, and work year-round to inspire others to register as donors.”

According to Gary Mignone, a spokesperson for NJ Sharing Network, Dan's selfless decision to donate his heart, lungs and kidneys provided lifesaving transplants to patients awaiting a second chance, while his tissue donations will enhance the lives of many others.

“We are grateful to have been able to honor Dan’s wishes to be an organ and tissue donor,” Jenn said. “Even in our deepest sadness, we have found comfort in knowing the incredible impact his gifts had on others. He was always someone who wanted to help, and knowing he continues to do so means everything to us.”

As Jenn and Dan’s mother, Margaret Ford, gathered with loved ones at the hospital to say their final goodbyes to Dan, an awe-inspiring moment occurred. A stunning rainbow appeared in the sky above Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Friends and family began sending photos of the rainbow to Jenn as a powerful symbol of hope and a reminder of Dan’s enduring love.

“That rainbow felt like a sign from Dan, telling us he is still with us,” Jenn said. “For me and our daughter, it is a lasting reminder of his generous spirit and the lives he touched both in life and through his gift of organ and tissue donation.”

Jenn currently works at the Oreland Inn, but “after everything that happened, I decided to go back to school for nursing to work towards a career in organ donation. I hope to get into Roxborough Hospital's nursing program next January.”

She added that “NJ Sharing Network’s team was there for us every step of the way, offering kindness, guidance and care that meant more than words can express. We are also forever thankful for the incredible staff at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital who treated Dan and our family with such compassion and respect. Their dedication made all the difference in helping us navigate this heartbreaking time.”

Jenn has since dedicated herself to sharing Dan’s story to encourage others to register as organ donors. “Dan’s decision gave others a second chance at life,” she said. “If his story can inspire just one person to sign up as an organ donor, then his impact will continue to grow.”

For more information, visit NJSharingNetwork.org. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com