There are many dates that hold a happy place in my heart but April 30, 2023 isn’t one of them. At 6:01 in the morning our beautiful boy Jacob, at the young age of 22, took his final breath. Every moment of that morning is etched into my mind; praying to God he was okay as I drove to the hospital, talking to the police when all I wanted to do was see my baby boy, walking into a private room where trauma volunteers were waiting to comfort me. It was then that I knew our world was about to shatter. Later that morning I received a phone call from One Legacy regarding organ donation. I knew I believed in organ donation but had never talked with my children about their views. I was relieved to hear Jacob was registered as an organ donor and I didn’t have to make that decision for him now. I wasn’t surprised, Jacob always had a giving heart and would be the first to offer help to anyone, friend or stranger, even in death. While Jacob’s injuries from his motorcycle accident were too extensive to make his major organs viable for donation, he was still able to help others. For many people April 30, 2023 will be remembered as a joyous day. The day someone’s heart was saved by Jacob’s heart valves. The day a burn victim was healed by Jacob’s skin grafts. The day someone was now able to see the world through Jacob’s eyes. And man did he have beautiful eyes, the same eyes as mine. There is nothing in the world that can take away the pain of losing a child. But there is the tiniest bit of comfort knowing Jacob’s final earthly act was a selfless, giving, and impactful one. I urge everyone to register as an organ donor, there is no greater gift. Register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor by clicking here. And please consider donating above and sharing this link https://www.givesignup.org/Race/125320/Donate/MF46TFrE2p11sO9Q in honor of Jacob Brandon to support the 21st Annual OneLegacy Donate Life Run/Walk benefitting the OneLegacy Foundation.
Thank you on behalf of Jacob Brandon’s family💙🕊️
