Kiethen was no ordinary 7-year-old boy. Of course, like all little boys, he loved running, climbing, jumping and riding bikes with his brothers. But young Kiethen also loved to help others, whether that meant doing the dishes or visiting with his neighbor who was mentally challenged.
Last September, while riding home from church, Kiethen and his family were in a car accident. While his family’s car sat at a standstill, a woman who had blacked out from an epileptic seizure collided with their car while going 80 miles per hour. Kiethen was killed instantly.
During this tragic time, Kiethen’s family knew he would want to continue helping others by donating his organs. “He always wanted to help. So we knew by giving the Gift of Life, Kiethen would be helping others in his death like he did in his short life. Why would you not?” explained his mother, Sharon.
According to the MidSouth Transplant Foundation, Kiethen will appear on the Donate Life Rose Parade float among other organ, eye and tissue donors who in their death, saved, healed and gave hope to thousands of people in need. Kiethen’s parents, Sharon and Kiethen, Sr. and his brothers Thomas and Curlandrius will fly from their home in Memphis, TN to Pasadena, CA to see Kiethen’s image transformed into one of 76 floragraphs that will adorn the Donate Life float in the 2010 Rose Parade.
Kiethen’s story is an inspirational one that may encourage others to become donors themselves. To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit the Transplant Challenge Web site.
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