There are no words to describe the sorrow we felt as we said goodbye to our dear Patrick. We find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and that one day we will be with him again. Patrick was just 22 years old. He loved the outdoors as he was a hunter and a fisherman. Most especially, he loved his white Labrador Kota. As Patrick neared death, we were in contact with the organ donation folks, knowing that Patrick would want to donate as much of himself as possible. He was a person who always looked out for another, and I would often tell people who were just getting to know him that his heart was bigger than the rest of his body! Patrick was able to donate his hand to a young man who had lost his in a table saw accident and his eyes to the Lions Eye Bank of WI. In addition, through Versiti, Patrick’s tissue was used for breast reconstruction and we later learned by letter that his gift of tissue donation also went toward a 7-year-old who had a second open heart surgery. What a gift! It is truly a blessing to know that there are people who can live their lives today because of the gift that Patrick was able to provide to them. He would be pleased too. Thank you, for facilitating this opportunity, not only for Patrick but for the all of the people who benefit from the services you provide. We are grateful.
