Brian, my older brother, was 25 when he was in a car accident that ended his life. His t-boned car left him with severe brain injuries, bruised lungs from his seat belt, a lacerated pancreas, and some broken bones. At the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) our family gathered to do whatever we could with whatever life Brian had left. With the help of our angel, Sue Witte (from the Iowa Donor Network), we came to terms with that fact that Brian was brain dead and already in heaven. However, his body had so much to give as he was healthy and strong minus the few other injuries. Over the next couple days, Brian was monitored and we were able to spend as much time as we wanted at his bedside, praying and saying our good-byes. On January 11, Brian was pronounced brain dead but his body was kept functioning so that he could give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
Brian was able to donate anything and everything that was not injured in the car accident. His donation included his: heart, kidneys, liver, eyes, bones, bone tissue, muscle tissue, skin, and connective tissues. He was able to give the gift of life and the gift of a fuller, enhanced life to so many. He continues to live through his recipients.
Brian had a passion for ultimate frisbee and loved captaining the University of Iowa Club team (IHUC). His vacations all involved hiking and camping, and he was a budding triathlete. He was a true adventurer with a zest for life that I wish I had a fraction of. He is eternally 25 to me, but will still always be my big brother! I smile just thinking about what an amazing uncle he would have been to Finley and Stella. I look forward to continuing telling them all about Uncle Brian.
2008 was the year we lost Brian, but also the year we were connected with the first annual CARE Race (Compassion for Awareness, Remembrance, and Education) and was the first step in turning our healing process into a celebration of Brian and his gift of life. The CARE Race has now evolved into the Give Life 5K!
Our family and friends have been participating in this race in one way or another since 2008. It has grown so much and I am proud to be a part of it. Brian loved doing anything athletic and outside. He would see no better way to remember him by running a race for a good cause, followed by a few beverages to continue the party.
Please help support Brian’s life and his gift, my family, the Iowa Donor Network, and the cause of organ and tissue donation by joining our team or through a contribution. If you are not a donor, please sign up at
https://www.iowadonornetwork.org/register
OR for my new Kansas friends at
.