Katie Caples Foundation Information

The Katie Caples Foundation was founded by David and Susan Caples in the fall of 1998 after the death of their daughter Katie. Katie had just turned 17 and as a new driver she had recently made the decision to register as an organ donor. Her ultimate act of generosity saved the lives of 5 individuals (aged 9 to 62) and further enhanced the lives of several others. Since 2005 the Foundation has delivered the message of the impact of organ donation to more than 100,000 individuals in the northeast Florida area. Partnerships with Mayo Clinic, University of Florida, Shands Hospital, DMVs and Tax Collectors’ offices have enabled the Foundation’s success and in 2014 educational programming will extend throughout 30 Florida counties. The Katie Caples Foundation and David and Susan Caples have be received numerous awards for their contribution within the organ donation, transplant and non-profit communities including the E. William Nash Jr. Community Partner of the Year Award presented annually by the YMCA Florida First Coast (2012), the James S. Wolf, M.D. Courage Award, presented annually by Donate Life America in recognition of significant contribution toward educating the public about the need for organ and tissue donation (2011), and the President’s Volunteer Service Award, awarded as part of an initiative of the President’s council on Service and Civic Participation in Washington, D.C. (2005).