Hannah Daye Ridling had a love for animals and was an avid equestrian, ranked nationally in the discipline of Eventing. On May 23, 2010, 16-year-old Hannah fell from the back of a moving vehicle that she was sitting on and suffered a fatal brain injury. Her gift of four organs gave three people a second chance at life. Two days before signing up to be an organ donor, Hannah wrote: "Whenever I put aside my own needs and put someone else's before my own, I feel like a better person." Hannah would have turned 21 on January 1, 2015, when the Donate Life float helps to celebrate her life.

Hannah's Story

Hannah Daye Ridling was funny and witty and had a smile that would light up a room. She had a love for animals and was an avid equestrian, ranked nationally in the discipline of Eventing.

On May 23, 2010, four days after completing 10th grade, 16-year-old Hannah fell from the back of a moving vehicle that she was sitting on with three friends. She suffered a severe brain injury and on May 25, Hannah was declared brain dead.

"Our world was shattered," says her mother Catherine. "After a physician mentioned organ donation to us, we discussed it and, without the presence of mind to look at her temporary driver's license, we agreed to donation. After some time passed, we discovered that on Hannah's temporary license she had signed up to be an organ donor. Knowing how loving and giving Hannah was in life, she would want to continue her loving legacy in death."

Hannah's gift of four organs gave three people a second chance at life. When Catherine had the opportunity to meet Hannah's double lung recipient, she felt it was an affirmation of the special gift of life. Many friends of Hannah and her parents have since signed up as organ donors.

Memorialized on Hannah's headstone is a quote from an English paper that she wrote on January 7, 2010, two days before registering to become an organ donor. "Whenever I put aside my own needs and put someone else's before my own, I feel like a better person. Helping others adds to your character. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, peace, and humbleness."

Catherine affirmed that, "Hannah was our beautiful gift, and she has given the most precious of gifts to others. Celebrating Hannah on the Donate Life float seems a beautiful way to share her story and celebrate her 21st birthday on January 1. The beautiful butterflies on this year's float are so close to our heart. For several years on Hannah's anniversary we have released butterflies at her graveside. Butterflies were special to Hannah. She found a monarch, which she named Buddy, that could not fly. She cared for him and took him with her everywhere for his short, three-week life."

To commemorate Hannah's life and love of animals, the Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park was established in 2013 in Montgomery.