Troy Jonathan James Pappas excelled in the classroom, on the field and the court. At Bates College in Maine, he was in the pre-med track and rostered on the football team. On Sept. 29, 2012, 18-year-old Troy jumped on a stairwell banister to ride it down. He lost his balance, fell three stories, and suffered major head and internal injuries. He was able to save lives by donating six organs, and his left arm and hand were transplanted to improve the lives of recipients.  "These people live on because of Troy's gift of donation," his mother Mary confirmed. "As his parents, we could not be more proud of him."

Troy's Story

Troy Jonathan James Pappas was a smart, athletic, fun-loving, full-of-life young man. Troy loved hanging with his friends, annual trips to Florida, and Upta Camp.

Troy excelled in the classroom and graduated eighth in his high school class. As an accomplished athlete, he was a star on the field and the court. He played high school varsity baseball for four years and was captain for two seasons.  He also played varsity basketball for two years and earned the coach's award. As a football player, he was the starting varsity quarterback for three years, the captain in his senior year, and football MVP for two seasons.

Troy's aspiration of playing college football was made a reality in the fall of 2012 at Bates College in Maine. He was in the pre-med track, majoring in biochemistry, and thrilled to be rostered on the team.

On Sept. 29, 2012, upon returning home from an away game in Boston, 18-year-old Troy jumped on a stairwell banister to ride it down. He lost his balance, falling three stories suffering major head and internal injuries. He spent almost a week on life support with his family and friends at his side. Hundreds of people came to visit.

"As Troy's mother, I was certain a miracle would take place," said Mary. "I did not know at the time that it would not be the miracle we had earnestly prayed for, but a miracle nonetheless for six organ recipients."

Troy died on October 5, 2012.  He had made it clear when he received his driver's license at age 16 that he wished to be an organ donor. Both lungs, both kidneys, pancreas, liver and his left arm and hand were transplanted to compatible recipients. 

"These people live on because of Troy's gift of donation," Mary confirmed. "As his parents, we could not be more proud of him."