Yefreyn Roldan was an inquisitive 17-year-old who always had a need to go the extra mile to feed his thirst for knowledge. In August 2011, Yefreyn suffered a heart attack at home despite being completely healthy prior to this incident. Attempts to resuscitate him failed, and Yefreyn died later that day. His family did not hesitate when asked to donate his tissue - skin, bone, and a pulmonary valve that helped a woman in her 20's. In all, some 61 people benefited from his gifts. "Although it hurt, he was able to do one more charitable deed," said his mother, Martina Roldan, who is now a very active OneLegacy Ambassador and shares her son's legacy with the world.

Yefreyn's Story

Yefreyn Roldan was inquisitive 17-yeard-old that always had a need to go the extra mile to feed his everlasting need for knowledge. He was always seen with a book in his hand and a warm gentle smile. He was a caring young man who looked after his three siblings and felt the need to be responsible. A great debater, one day he hoped to be a lawyer.

In August 2011, Yefreyn had a heart attack in the shower before he left for school. It is still unknown what caused it - he was completely healthy before this incident. His mother called the paramedics, who soon arrived and attempted to resuscitate him but failed. Yefreyn died later at St. Mary's Medical Center.

When his family was asked if they wanted to donate Yefreyn's tissues, they responded with no hesitation. He donated skin, a pulmonary valve transplanted into a woman in her 20's, and bone. In all, some 61 people have benefited from his bone donation, which has made ACL reconstructions, hip reconstructions, and pain reliving neck surgery possible in women and men across the nation.

"He was always ready to give, so we're positive that this is what he would have wanted," said his brother Joe Roldan. Although heavy hearted, the family still knew that they could help another.

"Although it hurt, Yefreyn was able to do one more charitable deed," added Martina Roldan, his mom, who is now a very active OneLegacy Ambassador and shares her son's legacy with the world.