From his bucket list of the 10 things Nicholas wanted to do in life, #7 on the list was to save a life.
In 2019, in preparation for a school trip to Washington, D.C, Nicholas got an ID with a federal stamp (he was, after all, hoping to tour several federal buildings in the place he intended to call home one day in pursuit of his political aspirations). While getting his ID, he had a conversation with his dad about organ donation. His dad told him that it was his choice, and that his parents would do everything they could to respect his choice, should it ever be necessary.
Approximately 13 months later, in the days immediately after he suffered a brain aneurysm, his mom found an art project in his room entitled, “Bucket List”. There were 10 items on the list, and #7 was to save a life. On June 5th, 2020, Nicholas fulfilled #7 with his donation of 7 organs (kidneys, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas) and immediately saved the lives of 5 people whom he had never met.
Furthermore, his tissue donations impacted and healed more than 75 lives. His corneas enabled two people regain their sight, and his ligament and tendon donations may have allowed recipients to lead more active lifestyles (maybe even play soccer). We can only imagine the impact that his heart valves, nerves, and so forth had on others.
You are never too old to be a hero. Or too young. The same is true about creating a bucket list. If being a donor is on your list, check with your local BMV or, if you are in Ohio, you can register at donatelifeohio.org.