Twenty-three years ago Cynthia London’s life changed forever. On March 25, 1997, her 22-year-old son, Sipho Thembla was the victim to gunfire. When he was pronounced brain dead, his family was offered the opportunity to donate his organs. Cynthia recognized that organ donation offered a way to find hope and meaning in this devastating tragedy. Sipho saved the lives of six people by donating his pancreas, heart, liver, lungs and kidneys. And it was at that moment that she began changing the game through education. At the time of his death, Sipho was studying education at Kutztown University. Inspired by her son’s life-saving gifts and his dream of becoming a teacher, Cynthia carries on Sipho’s legacy by educating others about the importance of organ donation with Gift of Life Donor Program. “Sipho’s death was so senseless, so hard to bear, and it broke my heart. His life was silenced, and on that day, some of me went with him. But I continue to tell my story to encourage others to get involved, so that those who are waiting will have a second chance. I did not think I could ever feel that sense of purpose, or excitement, ever again,” said Cynthia. Coincidentally, Sipho was born the same year Gift of Life Donor Program, the region’s organ procurement organization, was founded. More than two decades ago, Cynthia started to volunteer with Gift of Life through its multicultural outreach initiatives, speaking with churches, schools and at community events to educate others about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation. She has spoken at almost every hospital in the Philadelphia area and has volunteered at every major Gift of Life event to dispel myths and misconceptions. Her powerful words heard by thousands have inspired many to register as organ donors. Cynthia also draws on her faith and community involvement to increase awareness for organ and tissue donation throughout the Philadelphia area. Whether she’s out in the community helping feed and clothe the homeless, working with her church or praying for strangers in need through its online ministry, Cynthia uses multiple platforms to educate others. Cynthia has made it her life’s mission to advocate for donor families, recipients, and especially those who are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Every day she challenges others to practice one act of kindness, to simply register to be an organ donor.
What is a defining moment in your career and life?
Nearly 23 years ago my 22-year-old son Sipho Thembla was the victim to gunfire and went on to become an organ donor. In Sipho’s heroic last act, he saved six lives. His death was a moment that challenged my faith and tested my beliefs.
For 23 years, inspired by Sipho’s dream of becoming a teacher, I have honored Sipho and his legacy by dedicating myself to educating others about the issue of organ donation with Gift of Life Donor Program. Gift of Life Donor Program’s mission is to save lives through organ and tissue transplantation. Since 1974, Gift of Life has coordinated more than 50,000 life-saving organs for transplant, and approximately 1.5 million tissue transplants.
Sipho’s death was so senseless, so hard to bear, and it broke my heart. His life was silenced, and on that day, some of me went with him. But I continue to tell my story to encourage others to get involved, so that those who are waiting will have a second chance. I did not think I could ever feel that sense of purpose, or excitement ever again.
I began working with Gift of Life through its multicultural outreach initiatives, speaking with churches, schools and at community events promoting organ donation. I have spoken at almost every hospital in the area and have volunteered at every major Gift of Life event throughout the years. My passion for educating others about organ donation has led me to serve on a number of Gift of Life Boards throughout the years; I currently serve as a member of the Board of Gift of Life Family House.
What challenges have you faced as a woman of color in your field and how did you overcome them?
I always believed it’s never about me. l gather the strength to continue to focus on the cause of why we are here and who needs me at the time.
What woman inspires you and why?
I would like to answer this by saying Maya Angelou or Alice Walker. But in reality, I’m inspired by the women in my life at the Philadelphia Parent Child Center and Lutheran Church. Women who stood by me, who watched me raise my children and contributed to my “don’t give up attitude.” I stand on their shoulders, for they are women of courage, faith and kindness who have showed me that love never fails, especially when everything else goes against you.
What is your advice to the younger generation of women coming after you?
When faced with disappointments take responsibility for your part and never become the victim.
I was completely devastated following my son’s death. But I chose to rise up to honor his legacy by becoming involved with Gift of Life Donor Program. I have spent years educating and dedicating myself to raise awareness for the life-saving importance of organ and tissue donation. These efforts have helped to give me great pride and joy following the loss of my dear son, Sipho.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you
Knowing that more education is the real power. It allows you to create platforms of hope and love for all mankind in all the field of life.
