Kelsey Camille Mikel was 16 years old and involved in much of the life of her school and community. Kelsey was known as a loving, kind, intelligent, and passionate friend. On Friday, August 20, 2004, Kelsey was going through an intersection when her minivan was hit by two different vehicles. The following morning, Kelsey was declared brain dead. Kelsey's organ and tissue gifts made it possible for four others to have another chance at life. Knowing that Kelsey was able to continue a legacy of love and service in the lives of her recipients has helped her family to heal.

Kelsey's Story

Kelsey Camille Mikel was 16 years old and involved in much of the life of her school and community. She was active in sports, managing the cross country team and winning two varsity letters in golf. Kelsey loved children and helped at Children's Church and Sunday School. Those who knew Kelsey knew her to be a loving, kind, intelligent, and passionate friend.

On Friday, August 20, 2004, Kelsey was on her way from a job interview at a day care center to pick up a friend. As Kelsey went through an intersection, her minivan was hit first on the driver's side then on the passenger's side by two different vehicles. The following morning, Kelsey was declared brain dead, and the decision was made to honor Kelsey's decision to be an organ and tissue donor.

Kelsey's gift of life made it possible for four others to have another chance at life. A 2 ½ -year-old girl with congenital physical and developmental disabilities received one of Kelsey's kidneys. Her health improved dramatically after the transplant, and she has since grown into a loving and affectionate young lady.

Kelsey left behind a close and loving family. Her parents Mark and Kathy and her sisters Emily, Mattie, and McKenna have used every opportunity possible to tell of Kelsey's organ donation and the gift she left others. Knowing that Kelsey was able to continue a legacy of love and service in the lives of her recipients has helped the Mikel family to heal over the past 10 years.

Kelsey's family and friends gather with the community each Thanksgiving to honor her memory by running or walking in the "I'm Thankful Four" which helps provide scholarships to graduates from Kelsey's high school to pursue their dreams of changing the world.