10/30/2025
Just before his 24th birthday, Gary passed away unexpectedly and was able to give the Gift of Life. Now his mom, Heather, shares his story in New England and Ohio to encourage others to register their decision to be a donor.
“At the age of thirteen, I needed to get my son, Gary, a Connecticut state ID. Gary had recently moved here from Ohio, and while standing in line at the DMV, he turned to me and asked if he could become an organ donor. Without hesitation, I said, “Of course.” Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that nine and a half years later, that innocent, inquisitive question would become our heartbreaking reality.”
“When Gary turned eighteen, he decided to move back to Ohio. I couldn’t change his mind, and as hard as it was to let him go, I supported his independence. The next four years weren’t easy for him — or for me. Life tested him in ways a mother wishes her child never had to face. But no matter the distance, I never missed a call. We talked often, and I made sure he knew that no matter what, I was always here for him.”
“Nineteen days before his twenty-fourth birthday, Gary’s beautiful life came to an unexpected end. In the depths of my grief, I clung to the memory of that day at the DMV — the moment he chose to give the ultimate gift. My son became a multi-organ donor, saving and transforming the lives of others. Though Gary is no longer here, his heart continues to beat on — literally and figuratively. His spirit lives within the people he helped, and within everyone who knew and loved him.”
“Because of Gary’s passing, I have become a volunteer and advocate with New England Donor Services, Donate Life Connecticut, and Life Connection of Ohio. Through these organizations, I’ve met incredible people — other parents and families who have also experienced the loss of their loved ones — and I’ve learned so much about the impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation.”
“Gary loved turtles. He had one for almost twenty years, and it was his favorite pet. After he passed away, I created a hashtag and phrase in his memory: and . Turtles are mysterious creatures — they move at their own pace and show up when you least expect them. That was my Gary. Thus, the hashtags were born. On Saturday, November 1st, I will be participating in a 5K walk/run in Maumee, Ohio, with Life Connection of Ohio in memory of my Gary.”
