Danny Pino was known for his loyalty, determination and compassion.

He was extremely athletic, and he began playing baseball at the age of 5. He played varsity baseball for four years for Miami’s Coral Reef Senior High School, where he would move from outfield to left-handed pitcher. Through hard work, Danny’s baseball talent was recognized, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) recruited him to join the team following high school.

However, Danny’s plans would change. Since Danny was a young boy, he had been profoundly moved by the events of September 11. His dream became to serve his country. Realizing he did not want to serve on the water with the USMMA, he transferred to Florida International University and joined Army ROTC, receiving his combat uniform on September 11, 2014.

Days later, while visiting friends in Tallahassee, Danny was struck by a car. Tragically, he passed away on September 28, 2014, at the age of 19.

While Danny was not able to fulfill his dream of service in the way he imagined, following his death, Danny saved three lives through the gift of organ donation. Through the heroic donation of both his kidneys and his liver, Danny saved a 7-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and a 63-year-old man.

“Danny was adamant about serving others,” said his mother, Peggy Pino. “He did so as an altar boy at a young age, and he served as class president throughout middle school. Since his childhood, his dream was to serve his country. While he didn’t get to do that, he served humanity by wanting to donate his organs. He made that choice. We fulfilled his wish, and he ultimately saved three lives. We are proud of his legacy. We can only hope that the recipients will want to meet with us one day.”