John Doe, Organ Donor

1950 - 2000

My brother first learned to ski when he was four years old. He took to the terrain as naturally and gleefully as a mountain elk. He was "catching air" when he was five. He was an amazing athlete and I loved to watch him on the slopes. In fact, I don't think I've ever met anyone who felt as comfortable zipping through a black diamond trail as he did. So I suppose it's fitting that he died near one.

As adults, we would travel each December to Crested Butte Ski Resort in Colorado. We lived in different states so this was precious time together, doing what we loved. My expert skier of a brother, who was young and healthy and strong, died on a sunny winter day in a car accident. When he died he took a part of me with him. But amazingly, parts of him still live on in others—his heart, his lungs, his kidneys. I weep for my brother who should never have died so young. But I applaud his spirit. And I cry tears of joy for the people who live because of him.

Things you may not know about John:

	Favorite movie: Animal House
	Took 3rd place in downhill slalom in the 1994 Breckenridge Amateur Ski Competition
	Loved Elvis and peanut butter and banana sandwiches