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Remembering Chris Brown
A Young Man of Character
Gift of Life annually delivers this message at Washington High School where Christopher Brown would have graduated last month. Instead, parents Bob and Tonya Brown accepted the diploma on his behalf because they lost their son in a tragic car accident in January. He already told them he had chosen to become an organ and
tissue donor so he could help others. This is the depth of character for which Gift of Life honors Chris Brown and shares his story.
Chris initiated a conversation with his parents after getting his driver’s license. Tonya shares, “I’m glad that Chris made the choice, and we didn’t have to.” She also gives credit to the hospital staff and representatives of Midwest Transplant Network for conveying the compassion and care involved in the donation process. “I learned a lot about the process. I wouldn’t have
considered it if not for Chris’s decision… But we were assured that while
the procedure was taking place, there was an air of reverence for the donor. The surgeons, knowing that time was of the essence, were very respectful
of the donor and the decision that was made to save someone else’s life.”
Christopher’s selfless act saved the lives of at least five people. His lungs immediately helped a 31-year-old outdoorsman. A 58-year-old surgeon, husband and father received his liver and a kidney. The second kidney gave a 56-year-old teacher another chance. A 54-year-old woman received his pancreas and no longer requires insulin injections. An 84-year-old woman received one of his corneas. Chris’ heart saved the life of a 28-year-old man who is about to get married. His tissue can help an additional fifty people, including burn victims.
Someday, the Browns hope to meet or hear from all of the recipients.
Until then, they are willing to share the memory of Chris’ sense of humor, maturity and soft heartedness. “He was like a little old man as far as his concern for others. He acted responsibly, wore his seatbelt and rarely
went over the speed limit – he would even hang up on our cellular calls!
We also shared a fantastic sense of humor, especially if someone said something that was off the wall. Pranks were included. He liked to jump
out and try to scare his youngest brother.”
Chris was a young man with generosity that speaks to the deeper root of his character, “He would befriend people that no one else would have anything to do with because he was soft hearted and wouldn’t let others pick on them.”
Through all of this Tonya Brown adds, “We learned so much….it was hard,
but it was so eye-opening and so amazing to discover the things that they could use to help people. And to know that Chris had been so grown up.” |
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