Mere words will never suffice to express the loss that my family and I have experienced since Deanna was killed on October 28, 2006, by an impaired driver. Deanna was a sixteen year old girl, enthusiastic for life with a vivid future in mind.

I think back to Friday, October 27, 2006, I had spoken to Deanna with the confident, normal expectation that I would see her again. Now I have to live with plans that can never unfold, words that cannot be taken back, and a huge section of my future erased. I had no time to prepare myself, no time to say good-bye. Deanna's unexpected death came as a brutal shock and a sense of total helplessness. Learning the news of Deanna's death will forever be etched in my body. The searing pain flooded me as the shock response faded and the terrible reality came home. With the reality of her death I have the painful knowledge that I did not get to say good-bye to Deanna. No chance to sum up love or remember old pleasures. No chance to apologize for my mistakes and insensitivities. No chance to hold her, and tell her all that she had been to me.

As she laid there dead on the roadway, there was no sense of rejoice.

After learning of Deanna's death many phone calls were placed and received. One was from the Medical Examiners Office. The topic of discussion was body donations. I questioned the discussion because Deanna died at the scene of the crash, so what could she donate? It was at this time I learned of tissue donations and had my first contact with American Donor Services. I agreed to donate Deanna's tissues because it was Deanna's wish and I felt it was the right thing to do.

As the days and weeks of grieving continue, I have been able to encompass the special gift of tissue donation that Deanna gave. Knowing Deanna has helped people gives me a sense of pride. Deanna loved to reach out to friends that were in need when she was alive and I have the pleasure of knowing she continues to do so in her death.

As a parent who lost her daughter in a senseless act, I feel blessed that Deanna will be helping both children and adults by giving them a second chance at life. Deanna's life was stolen from her; nevertheless, in death she gives life. It brings such elation to know even in tragedy; Deanna brought hope to people and a part of her lives on with them.

I was honored when Deanna received a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Tim Pawlenty in recognition of humanitarianism demonstrated through her selfless act of her tissue donation. This was all made possible by American Donor Services.

My family and I are forever grateful that we could and did donate Deanna's tissues. I rejoice that something positive came after Deanna's death.

Catherine Casey - Deanna's Mother

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