Alessandro “Alle” Speroni was born in Italy.  He never dreamed of leaving his home until a friend invited him to San Diego, and a three-week vacation turned into a 13-year stay.  San Diego’s perfect weather gave Alle the freedom to enjoy his passion for the outdoors. Surfing with his friends became his Sunday tradition. After a few years in San Diego, Alle opened his own restaurant. Alle met his wife, Dana and they enjoyed several happy years together.   Alle loved life and had a beautiful heart that was giving and full of love. There is a reason it continued to beat even after his last breath. Alle had registered as an organ donor. His heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas saved four lives when he gave the gift of life in 2013. 

Andrew Madison was diagnosed at 3 weeks with Hypoplastic Left Heart syndrome and several other heart anomalies. His life was short in years but not in experiences, and he lived every moment with humility, acceptance, and bravery.  Andrew received the gift of life - a new heart on July 17, 2000.  Upon recovering, he started to live like a normal child. Andrew was quite the jokester and loved Super Heroes. He wanted others to have a chance at life as he did.  He talked about building homes that would accommodate people with all disabilities. He also told his mom that he wanted to be a donor. On Nov 13, 2007 while getting ready for school, Andrew collapsed. His wishes were honored and 18 lives were improved by his donations.

Andrew was peaceful, fearless and generous. He encouraged others to talk, and to face their doubts and fears. Andrew had a passion for life. He enjoyed soccer, ROTC, band, cheerleading, and show choir.  He was always eager to push his mind and his body to new limits. He was interested in the field of physical therapy.  Andrew’s generosity had the biggest impact on those who knew him. He gave blood as often as he could. Andrew was an 18-year-old student at Enterprise State Community College and working part-time at a local restaurant when he had a seizure.  The seizures continued for 8 weeks. The brain damage he suffered from each seizure was too severe to sustain his life and his generosity was made evident in his gift of organ donation.

Anthony was born August 30, 1990 and was a typical boy who loved soccer, swimming, video games, reading and playing with his friends.  When he was 10, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and his life was forever changed.  He became a young champion for research, raising more than $100,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Anthony excelled in academics, basketball and music. He attended Elon University and, at the time of his death, was enrolled at The Ohio State University.  Anthony passed away at the age of 22 from complications of type 1 diabetes.  After his death, his family learned of his decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Anthony saved four lives, including the life of a family friend who received his kidney through directed donation.

Anthony Villahermosa was a compassionate man. He loved working with kids and he loved football. He coached both of his sons’ football teams. He was courageous and always worked on building relationships with kids because he was taught, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.” He wanted to make a difference. He was always willing to help others. His main goal was to provide and be a father to his three sons. He did that lovingly. At the young age of 32, Anthony passed away suddenly, and he became an organ donor. His heart, kidneys, and lungs saved several grateful recipients, who have shared their stories in letters written to his mother. Today, she honors Anthony’s memory by volunteering her time as a OneLegacy Ambassador.  

Malachi was a fantastic, awesome 14-year-old young man.  He was a son, brother, best friend, comedian and security guard to many.   Malachi had dreams and the talent to be a baseball player. His mother misses his late night/early morning security checks.  His friends and family miss his presence and his energy. Malachi was 14 years of age when he passed away of gunshot wounds sustained while riding his bike through his neighborhood of 10 years.  His family and friends find comfort in knowing that those who received his gifts are now still able to run, jump, talk, breathe, yell, cry, laugh, hug, and make more memories.  That is the best blessing out of all the bad and heartbreak. Malachi is able to live on in the lives of others.

Brad Louis Sorrentino was full of life. With his irreverent charm and contagious smile, Brad lit up the room and had a knack for winning over everyone he met. From the moment Brad wore his first pair of hockey skates at the age of three, it was clear he was a gifted athlete. Wearing #10, he excelled as a teammate and leader. Family was Brad’s passion. He was a proud son, brother, father and husband. His greatest accomplishments were his two sons and he cherished every moment he spent with them. In addition to his kids, Brad was also a newlywed. He was only married 11 months before his accident but the love they shared knew no boundaries. Brad was beyond proud to be a husband and loved his wife infinitely. While at work, at the age of 32, Brad fell and sustained a traumatic head injury from which he would never recover. His selfless act to give the gift of life as an organ donor saved the lives of many. Today, his family honors his memory by volunteering for NJ Sharing Network. #DonateLifeFloat #lightinthedarkness

With hair the color of a copper penny, freckles splattered across his face and a chipped front tooth, as a child model Brody graced the cover of several magazines. Brody wasn’t much into academics; athletics was his thing. He played several sports, and he also enjoyed being outdoors. Brody decided to pursue a career as a fireman, EMT, paramedic. Brody wanted to be a first responder. On March 8, 2012, at the young age of 24, Brody suffered a massive stroke. The waiting room at the hospital was filled with firefighters from all over. They had heard a rookie was on life support and their motto is “no one left behind.” Brody was a registered donor and his organs, tissue and corneas gave 60+ people a second chance at life.

From the day Cassidy was born, she was happy and free-spirited.  She had a smile that lit up the room and a laugh that was contagious. Cassidy loved the outdoors and everything it had to offer. She started cheering in 7th grade and continued throughout high school. She was a loving daughter and a great sister. On December 14, 2015, Cassidy took her life. This came as a horrific shock to her family, as she showed no warning signs prior to her decision. She was resuscitated and airlifted to the hospital, where she stayed for six days. Cassidy was a registered donor, and she saved the lives of three people through her kidneys and liver. To honor her memory and prevent teen suicides, her family created the Cassidy Joined for Hope Foundation.

Cody was 15 years old, and full of life. He loved his family and hanging out with his friends. Cody was very outgoing and he loved to play baseball. On April 7, 2008 Cody lost his life by an accidental gun discharge. His family was shattered when Cody was pronounced brain dead. Their hopes and dreams for Cody’s future suddenly ended, or so they thought. LOPA informed them that Cody had the opportunity to give the gift of life. Suddenly, it all made sense.  Thanks to the gift of life, Cody saved 5 others. His family met two of his recipients; a man who received his lungs, and a woman, Linda Wheeler, who received his heart. To his mom, knowing that Cody lives on in others is priceless.

Craig Owens was a dedicated, loving and devoted son, father and husband.  He lived his life the best way he knew how and he worked at a local power company until his retirement. His friends and family describe him as a caring person who would do anything for anyone he met. Despite being a giant in stature, he had a soft-spoken voice and a kindred spirit. Craig’s health became a concern over recent years, as he battled with blood pressure and diabetes. On January 6, 2019 Craig became suddenly ill, and two days later, he gained his wings at age 43. He left behind a loving family that was not ready to see him go. They have found solace in knowing that he lives on through his gift of life.

Danny Pino was 19 years old when he was struck by a car while crossing a street in Tallahassee, Florida. He passed away seven days later on September 28, 2014. Danny’s spirit and the mission he was born to serve lives on through all of us at PinoStrong, a foundation created with funds raised to bring him home. Danny was known for his loyalty, determination and compassion. He enjoyed playing baseball, from the time he was five, all the way to college. After Highschool, he was recruited to play baseball by the US Merchant Marine Academy in Long Island, New York. His ultimate dream, more than playing baseball, was to serve his country. Upon his death, he saved 3 lives, in his act of valor as an organ donor.

Dominic Hooper was born June 28th 1996.  He was a wonderful, caring young man with a great sense of humor. His compassion for others was astonishing and his generous heart was unending.  His passions were playing sports, hanging with friends, and having fun. On February 21, 2014 Dominic suffered a brain injury after his four-wheeler overturned and was declared brain dead 2 days later.  His family knew that he would have never hesitated to help someone in need. They made the decision to donate his organs so others would have a chance to live.  At the age of 17, Dominic became a hero to 5 individuals who were waiting for an organ transplant. In the years following the accident, Dominic’s family have been promoting organ donation awareness and encouraging people to register. 

Doug Stewart was born on September 25, 1964, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of John and Geraldine Stewart. Doug was an amazing husband and a wonderful father to his four children.  He was an avid golfer and if he could not be on the golf course, he could always be found chipping balls in his front yard. In 2000, when he was told he would need a liver transplant, Doug researched everything there was to know about transplantation.  He was a two time liver recipient.  He became very involved and passionate in spreading the word about donation.  He was a proud member of Team Iowa and very active in promoting donation.  Doug was a cornea donor when he passed away in 2017.

Born in Los Angeles, California in 1929 to Japanese parents, Dr. Terasaki finished high school in Chicago and earned 3 degrees in Zoology at UCLA. In 1957, he worked with Sir Peter Medawar, known as the father of transplantation, which led him to this field of work. Dr. Terasaki returned to UCLA in 1959 as a professor, and worked to develop a micro test to identify and study the human genes involved in tissue rejection. Known as the Terasaki Tissue Typing tray, this test became the international standard for determining compatibility between transplant patients and potential donors. Over the years, he continued developing tests and new technologies, and they still play a pivotal role in improving the lives for transplant patients worldwide.

During a routine ultrasound, doctors discovered that Royce and Keri Young’s daughter was growing, but without a significant portion of her brain and would not survive long after delivery. The baby had anencephaly, a condition that was ‘incompatible with life’. Upon hearing this news, the Youngs asked the doctors about organ donation. They decided to continue the pregnancy to term with the intent of donating the baby’s organs. They chose to name their daughter ‘Eva Grace’, which means giver of life. However, at 37 weeks, they were devastated to learn baby Eva’s heart had stopped beating, and she would not be able to be an organ donor. Shortly after, they learned that Eva would be able to donate her eyes, and they were grateful to know that she would restore sight to others

Hope Wolf may not have lived a long life, but it was filled with love and her legacy continues today.  At 12 weeks pregnant, Hope’s parents found out that she had problems that would likely lead to severe disability or a loss of life.  They decided to carry her to full term and treasured every kick and bump along the way. Hope was born via C-Section and she spent a beautiful 90 minutes with her family, most of which were in her Mommy’s arms.  She heard a lifetime of “I love yous” and died peacefully before giving the gift of life. Hope donated her liver cells and heart to the International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine, a partner of NJ Sharing Network.  Hope has inspired many to become organ donors.

Born October 29, 2013 to Paul and Sara Lockridge, Imma (Emma) Rose Lockridge, the youngest of three children, was full of life, hope and love.  She was often called a “little angel” because her light would shine through full of color, wonder and personality, uplifting those around her.  She also loved to sing, dance, and pick out her own clothes.  One of her favorite songs to sing was “True Colors.” On May 6, 2018, Imma and her mother Sara were involved in a car accident and were both rushed to different hospitals.  Her mother passed on May 7, 2018 and two days later, Imma was declared brain dead. Knowing she still had so much life to give, Imma’s dad chose to donate her organs, saving the lives of 1 adult and 2 children.

Jacob Lowell Jimmerson was born in Las Vegas on October 21, 1993 and passed on April 5, 2019. He was a realtor and transportation dispatcher. He also interned at Wynn Las Vegas and was a junior at UNLV. As a fitness advocate, he enjoyed working out, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding. Jacob was an adventurous, caring, courageous and diligent young man, and he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his brothers, Chad and James, and sister, Bentley. Jacob will be remembered as a caring, loving and warm brother, cousin, coworker, friend, grandson, nephew, son and uncle. His decision to register as a donor was an unselfish, giving, and compassionate act that saved two people who received his heart and liver.

Javier Guevara was a hardworking man. He enjoyed helping others, and he did not expect anything in return. Family came first.  Javier enjoyed cooking, listening to music, dancing and playing with his dog. He never gave up unless he did not feel well. Javier’s life changed when his diabetes affected his kidneys. Diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney failure, Javier was on dialysis for five years. He was on the waiting list for a kidney and pancreas transplant, and unfortunately, he did not receive his gift of life. Upon his death, he became a tissue donor, improving the lives of more than thirty people, even though he was a diabetic. Javier’s wife and daughter have been active OneLegacy Ambassadors for seven years, and they are proud of his legacy.

John Cuffe (Johnny) was born on February 3, 1964 and raised in New Jersey. He was loved by everyone. His smile and infectious laugh would brighten a room. When he decided to become an organ donor, it came as no surprise to those who knew him best. He was kind, compassionate, hardworking, but most of all, generous. Johnny and his wife, Donna, were married on October 15, 2005 after 11 years of dating. They were best friends and did everything together. Johnny also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Johnny died suddenly on December 16, 2017 at the age of 53, from cardiac arrest, and upon his death, he healed many lives through tissue donation. To honor his memory, his wife registered as a donor and is involved with NJ Sharing Network.

Though Julie Shepherd was competitive and an exceptional athlete, she had a kind heart for friends and strangers alike. In her short 17 years, her generosity touched the lives of many. Her teachers remember how her energy, humor, and outgoing personality shined through. While Julie brought joy and light into the lives of others, she battled a constant darkness within herself. Julie struggled with depression, and even though she received therapy and took her medication daily, her mind controlled her reality until she could not suffer any longer. Since her death, her family has talked openly about her depression, hoping they can help others overcome it. Julie saved the lives of six people through her pancreas, liver, lungs, kidneys and heart, and healed many more through her corneas and tissue.

Kamden “Kam” James Gabrick was a beautiful three-year-old boy whose loving heart and infectious smile always found a way to bring people together. He lived with his mom and dad, Eileen and Jim, and puppy, “Daisy Bug”. He loved to be outside, whether playing on his swing set, or splashing around in the pool. Kamden’s favorite things included dinosaurs, sea animals, books, and his stuffed animal Stitch. Kam’s life was tragically cut short following a choking accident in 2018. Eileen and Jim chose to donate their son’s organs in hopes that his beautiful light would continue on in others. Kamden saved two lives through his kidneys and liver. His parents find comfort in knowing Kamden’s organ donation had an impact, not only on his two organ recipients, but also to his family.

Kayte Mosher was just 20 years old when she passed away on January 25, 2012.  She left behind a legacy of life through tissue donation. Kayte, who was bold, beautiful and full of life, died from a brain aneurysm.  The only easy decision for her family upon her death was saying “yes” to donation.  They knew that Kayte wanted to be a donor. Afterall, Kayte was a giving person. She would give her friends a place to sleep, and animals a loving home. She was applying to colleges to become a veterinary technician before she died. Kayte was not able to donate organs, but she was able to donate tissues and corneas. Her gifts went to hundreds of men, women and children across the US and as far away as Singapore.

At just two years old, Logan Vanderkleed loved to climb, jump, dance, laugh and play. He loved being outdoors or at his family’s farm.  He loved Spiderman, blue tractor videos, animals, wearing everyone else’s shoes, cuddling with stuffed animals and “not catching” fish. He gave amazing hugs and kisses to all. Logan lit up any room he entered, captured the attention of, and entertained many. Even though Logan was only two years old, upon his death he touched the lives of many as a tissue donor. A little boy in California and a little girl in Missouri received Logan’s heart valves.  His family met Lillian, Logan’s heart valve recipient, as well as her family. They now feel close to them and blessed to know that Logan could help them.

Loren Leighton was born in Germany, grew up in Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University as a chemical engineer. He loved spending time with his wife, daughters, their spouses and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling and completing puzzles. Running became his most recent passion. After completing his first marathon in 2018, Loren qualified to run the Boston Marathon in 2019. Unfortunately, in November 2018 Loren sustained severe head trauma after a ladder accident, passing away 3 days later. As a registered donor, he donated his liver, kidneys and corneas. Loren’s family participated in an Honor Walk for him at the hospital, where staff, family and friends lined the hallway as he was wheeled to surgery. To honor her dad’s memory, Loren’s daughter ran at the Boston Marathon in 2019.

“If you can’t see the good, then be the good.” Lucy Enloe truly lived by these words. Born in 1989, she captured the hearts of her parents, Eddie & Barbara, and older siblings, Kyle and Angela. Lucy had a compassionate heart. She was a supportive friend to many. She once collected water, food and clothing for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Lucy also advocated for animal adoption, social justice reform, pediatric cancer research, and organ donation. She encouraged close friends and family to register as donors. Lucy became an organ donation hero sooner than anyone realized, after a car accident on August 30, 2017. Her injuries were fatal and two days later, she gave the gift of life to many through her eight organs, corneas and tissues.

Luis Angel Mendoza, better known as Chito, was a charming young man who loved life. He was born in Mexico and since he was 12, he worked hard to provide for his family. Luis came to the US in search for a better future. He worked for his uncle in Florida, and he became a man of many trades. Luis became a family man at a very young age. In 2001, he moved to California and worked hard to provide for his family. He was a loving husband and a great father. At the age of 30, a tragic accident took Luis’ life. His wife decided to donate his organs, and Luis’ heart saved another man. Today, his wife volunteers her time as a OneLegacy Ambassador, to honor Luis’ memory and legacy.

Marissa Louise Tudor always had a passion to help others.  That passion led her down the path of a career in nursing. Sadly, one semester short of graduating, she lost her life from unexpected consequences after a routine elective surgery. Marissa, who was 22, donated six organs, both corneas and tissues for 132 grafts, saving four lives and healing many more. But her generosity and desire to pay it forward did not stop there. As she lay in her hospital bed, she noted that the hospital-supplied hair brushes were insufficient for her thick, flowing hair. She vowed that when she got out, she would get better brushes for hospital patients – and since her death, thousands of top-notch brushes have been donated in her name to hospitals across the nation.

Matthew Kimo Householder was born on the first day of summer, June 21, 1984.  Affectionately called Kimo, traits of his Pacific Islander heritage were evident in his infectious smile, dimples that charmed, and laughing brown eyes that danced. Challenged with Tourette’s Syndrome and ADD, he nevertheless experienced the world head on, a risk taker, who loved sports.  Whether playing football, hockey, swimming or baseball, his name on that jersey solidified that he mattered, that he belonged. Unfortunately, his life’s journey detoured down the rocky road of drug addiction and shattered dreams.  But his love of family and compassion for others remained strong.  On November 19, 2017, Kimo’s tragic death turned into the gift of life to five others.  His family’s decision to donate his organs was what he would have wanted – to help others.

Melissa Rose Stockton, “Missy” as her family would call her, was athletic, smart and caring. She had a sport for every season.  She played soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and softball & soccer in the spring. Missy attended several colleges.  She was studying to become a registered nurse. Missy enjoyed volunteering at soup kitchens and the Humane Society.  She also loved playing the guitar and drawing.  Missy was a vegan and ate very healthy.  When she first got her license, she signed up to donate her organs. Missy struggled with depression but she continued to participate with life and tried to move forward in every way she could. Upon her death, Missy is still helping people through her donations – her heart, double lungs, liver, kidney/pancreas, kidney, and bone tissue.

Michael's promise of a bright future came to a sudden end in 2017 after succumbing to an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot. He was an energetic boy who loved dogs, video games, and pranks. He was also an avid fan of the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco Giants, played youth football, and dreamt of becoming a player and coach for the Oregon Ducks. Michael saved five individuals through the donation of his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas. "He was very sweet, happy, and funny. He was my baby, my mama's boy," says Silvia Van Steyn, Michael's mother. "We were trying to make sense of it all and wanted to give meaning to his short life. That is why we wanted organ donation."

Michael Robert Brown, named after his dad, lived seven short weeks. His first smile, on the evening before he stopped breathing, told his parents that he knew he was loved beyond measure. Sadly, Michael stopped breathing while at the care of a babysitter when his mom was at work, as a possible Sudden Infant Death. Michael’s family prayed for a miracle, but he was later declared brain dead, and his parents made the difficult decision of donating his organs and corneas. While Baby Michael became an angel in Heaven, his heart, liver and corneas helped several children whose families would not have to face the heartbreak of losing their child. To honor Michael’s all too short life and his legacy of love, the Brown family volunteers regularly to share the importance of donation.

During his short time, Mike McKay “lived life” to the fullest. A long-time mountain resident, he died at age 23 of injuries sustained in an avalanche. At the time of his death, Mike was entered into the organ/tissue donor program administered by Donate Life. Mike’s family and friends received comfort that other people could live longer, fuller lives because of Mike’s precious last gifts. Mike was a natural outdoor athlete who played AYSO and high school soccer. As a teenager, he was a sponsored rider for a club mountain bike racing team and later raced for his college cycling team. However, it was his prowess with skiing where Mike talents really shined. To honor his memory, Mike’s family established a "Live Life" Scholarship program for award winners who shared Mike’s attitude towards trying different things while “living life.”

Mike Nelson was a kind and loving man who always put others first.  In Mike’s short, but mighty 47 years, he lived life to the fullest and loved his family with his whole heart.  He worked for Iowa Donor Network and knew the importance of his job, and what it meant to so many families. It was his passion to bring comfort to people facing the unknown surrounding a tragedy. Mike did everything he could to bring awareness to organ, eye and tissue donation. When Mike passed away, his family knew that he wanted to be a donor.  Mike donated tissues and corneas to enhance the lives of others. His recipients range in age from a baby under the age of one, to a 74-year-old.

Nathan Nicholas Street had a deep love for his family, an unforgettable laugh and a smile that lit up a room.  He was a kind-hearted, funny and gentle kid who lost his life too soon to DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), a highly aggressive brain tumor. Nathan was diagnosed with DIPG in January 2014 at age 7. He put battled against the disease for 13 months. Sadly, despite all efforts, he passed away from the disease on February 17, 2015 at age 8. Following Nathan’s passing, his parents knew they could not donate his organs or tissue. Instead, they decided to donate his tumor tissue to research where a live cell line was established. Nathan’s cell line has been shared among doctors worldwide and has been used in numerous research studies across the globe.

Described as a creative, giving and free spirit, Nichole Sawyer was devoted to her young daughter, Tianna. Nichole was on a mission to better Tianna’s life, while staying positive and facing challenges as a single mother with joy and determination. Nichole loved nature and was in awe of the universe. When she was struck by a drunk driver and passed away, Nichole left behind a priceless gift: She had made the selfless decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Her tragic departure provided a second chance to the seven people whose lives her organ donation saved, plus renewed life and hope for the many recipients of her tissue and cornea donation. Nichole’s family find comfort knowing that Nichole’s spirit lives on through the lives she impacted as a donor.

Ryan Lee Mohn was a 16-year-old junior at Steelton-Highspire High School in 2004.  An outstanding athlete, he was a baseball pitcher, a reserve basketball guard and the star quarterback of his high school’s football team. In January 2004, while on the way to the mall with friends, the car he was riding in struck a tree. Ryan was hospitalized with massive head trauma and a week later, he was declared brain dead. A month before the accident, Ryan registered as an organ and tissue donor while applying for his driver’s license. Thanks to this selfless decision, six people received life-saving transplants, and hundreds more were healed through tissue donation. Ryan's memory lives on through his family and his transplant recipients. To continue Ryan’s legacy, his Family created the Ryan Lee Mohn Memorial Foundation.

Rylen Quinn Cowan earned his angel wings on June 5, 2017, at the age of only 13.5 months old, after a weeklong battle with bacterial meningitis. Rylen’s family decided to donate his organs, so that Rylen could live on through others. Rylen saved five lives through organ donation. The Cowan family has been blessed to meet his heart recipient, and they look forward to meeting his left kidney recipient soon. The most amazing thing about Rylen is that his story is still unfolding. The Smilin’ Rylen Foundation was established August 2017 to keep Rylen’s memory and legacy alive, raising funds for several local organizations, including LifeGift and Emma’s Hugs. Rylen has made them so proud as they continue to see his story unfold and live on as a hero to those he helped.

Shawn Michael Carpenter was a typical teenager. At age 16, he enjoyed playing soccer, surfing at Cocoa Beach, working part-time, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. He was an only child—but never lonely. On September 2, 1990, he came in from the garage holding his head in severe pain and his parents called 911.  His condition deteriorated and within 24 hours progressed to brain death on Labor Day. Shawn was a healthy teenager and his family had never discussed organ donation.  He had a driver's license but no “organ donation” designation. His parents struggled with the decision to donate organs without knowing their son’s wishes, but they finally decided to say “yes” to donation, and Shawn helped save and heal lives through his organs and corneas.

Thomas Cutinella was a special individual who cared deeply for his family, friends and country. But that wasn't enough for Thomas, he made it a point to care for everybody. He was selfless, respectful and a kind person who always found time to lend a helping hand. October 1, 2014 during a HS football game, Thomas suffered a traumatic brain injury. Thomas was rushed to a local hospital where they were unable to save him. Thomas passed away at the age of 16. Being the giver he was, on his birthday, he received his learners permit and told his parents he wanted to sign up to be an organ donor. Thomas’s family helped him achieve that wish and he successfully donated his heart, both kidneys, liver, pancreas, both corneas, numerous bones, skin and tissue. Through his act of giving, Thomas saved many lives.

Traci Trout had a smile that lit up the room and a kind soul treasured by everyone around her. She loved being a preschool teacher, a wife and a mother to two beautiful daughters. Her hugs made even the worst day feel perfect and she always put others before herself. She spent 5 years bravely battling cancer – a war that tragically took her life at 53. The way she made others feel and the depth of her compassion will never be forgotten. Tracy’s legacy lives on through the healing gifts she gave others. Through cornea donation, Traci made the gift of sight possible for two women in Egypt. Her daughters consider Traci the strongest woman they know and will continue to shine her light in their own lives.

Growing up, Tristan believed that everyone deserved second chances. Her compassion for others, especially children, is what made her a wonderful person to all who knew her. When Tristan died at the age of 28 in 2015, her mother, Tammy Hackman, remembered her daughter’s giving spirit and knew that she would have wanted to donate her organs. Thanks to this decision, Tristan’s heart, kidneys, liver and lungs saved the lives of people in need of organ transplants. The Hackmans sent letters anonymously to the recipients, and Tristan’s lung recipient wrote back, sharing that before the transplant, he was on oxygen 24/7. Today, he is off oxygen, traveling and enjoying life. Tammy and her husband, Bret, are raising Tristan’s son, Bryce. A straight-A student like his mom, Bryce enjoys playing baseball and swimming, a sport his mom excelled at as a member of the North Central High School and Riviera Club swim teams.

From an early age, Tuly was a very talented musician, playing multiple musical instruments, dancing, and acting.  She excelled as a violinist, playing for the Greater Miami Youth Symphonic Orchestra, where she was even invited to play the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City. Tuly always looked for ways to help those in need.  While still in high school, she organized a talent show to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina, raising over $3,000 for hurricane relief.  She later helped found the Just Relieve Foundation. She also gave music lessons to underprivileged children on her spare time. Just like a shooting star, lighting up the sky for a fleeting moment, Tuly passed away at the young age of 19.  However, through her gift of donation, eight tissue recipients received lifesaving transplants.