2017 Kaylee Elaine West
KAYLEE ELAINE WEST
Organ, Tissue, and Cornea Donor
Age 24 ~ El Dorado Hills, CA
Honored by sierradonor.org
Kaylee defined true friendship as always volunteering to help others at the drop of a hat. Kaylee gave to others no matter who they were and expected nothing in return. On February 6th, 2011, Kaylee had a brain aneurysm in her sleep at age 24. In keeping with her generous spirit, Kaylee became an organ, eye, and tissue donor; Kaylee had shared with her family just 37 days earlier, on New Year’s Eve, that she wished to be a donor should anything ever happen to her. Ultimately, donation was her greatest and final gift- Kaylee gave life to three people through the gift of her kidneys and liver; gave sight to two through cornea donation; and has restored many others through her gift of tissues and heart valves.
Kaylee’s Story
Kaylee was the middle child of three with bookend brothers. Her smile lit up every room even on the darkest of days. Kaylee defined true friendship as always volunteering to help others at the drop of a hat. Kaylee gave to others no matter who they were and expected nothing in return. On February 6th, 2011, Kaylee had a brain aneurysm in her sleep at age 24. In keeping with her generous spirit, Kaylee became an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Kaylee had shared with her family just 37 days earlier, on New Year’s Eve, that she wished to be a donor should anything ever happen to her. Ultimately, donation was her greatest and final gift- Kaylee gave life to three people through the gift of her kidneys and liver; gave sight to two through cornea donation; and has restored many others through her gift of tissues and heart valves.
Within days of Kaylee’s passing, her co-workers and friends created purple bands (purple was Kaylee’s favorite color) with “Kaylee Elaine West” on one side and “WWKD” on the opposite side. WWKD represents the phrase, “What would or wouldn’t Kaylee do?” It reminds those who wear the band to approach life and each situation and do the right thing, just as Kaylee always did. Hundreds of these purple bands have distributed and more are still being given away today with a reminder of the last good deed Kaylee achieved- being an organ, eye and tissue donor.
Kaylee’s family volunteers with Sierra Donor Services encouraging families and friends to have the important discussion about donation. They are forever grateful to Kaylee for sharing of their crisis, shock and disbelief.
Kaylee graduated Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills where she participated in band all four years. There is a memorial fund in her honor with the Oak Ridge Music Boosters. These funds support the continued musical education of deserving band members. Kaylee is always in our hearts forever in our song.