There are many stories about organ donors.....this is just one of those. I am touched by this one because it takes a mature 18 year old and a strong family to make such a committment. This is Brian's story......



Brian was 18 years old and full of life. He was a freshman in college with a bright future ahead. On April 17, 2000 he was in a car accident. Brian was in a coma with multiple injuries and was declared brain dead by the end of the week.

When the hospital staff approached us about donating Brian’s organs, we knew we had to honor his wish. One month before the accident, in a conversation with his Grandma, Brian told her he wanted to donate his organs when he died. He also expressed this wish among his close friends and on his driver’s license donor card. There was no question, this is what Brian wanted.

Brian unselfishly gave the gift of life. Through his death he was able to enhance and save the lives of many others. Even though he has gone home to be with the Lord, a part of him will always live on in the lives he has touched. We have received beautiful, touching letters from some of his organ recipients. They said it’s hard to put their gratitude into words; they are so thankful they’ve been given a second chance at life. Their expression of love for Brian and us as his family are heartwarming.

Brian’s choice to be an organ donor has given new meaning to his death and has helped us to begin the long healing process that lies ahead. We, as his family, have also chosen to be organ donors and give the Gift of Life. We will always be proud of Brian, in life and in death. He is our hero and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Denise Rosas
Brian's Mom


**More stories can be found at www.onelegacy.org