Donor Families

On Friday December 13, 1985, a blue eyed beautiful boy was given to us, his name is Joshua David Schwabenbauer.

Always with a smile, loving and giving. Compassionate to people and his other love in life animals.

Joshua became the big brother of Dana on March 14th, 1987. Just like most siblings they loved one another, fought with one another and if anyone picked on one of them, watch out, they were the first to defend each other. 

Joshua loved sports, from his days of playing on teams for the City of Lauderhill and in the neighborhood with the kids he grew up with. Josh was on the swim team at Piper High School.

Joshua, born and raised in the City of Lauderhill, started his career with the City as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Lauderhill Fire Department on December 17, 2007. Josh worked for the Fire Department for 5 years before being involved in a tragic accident off duty that would take his life. Fortunately for others, Joshua was an organ donor. On September 7th, 2016, four people would get a second chance at life because of his gifts… one 46 year old male would receive his right kidney. One 62 year old male (Elmer) would receive his left kidney. A young lady of 24 years old would be given the gift of his loving heart. Then there is Grace a wonderful lady who was then 63 got the best gift she could get. The gift of Joshua’s liver. We have been lucky to meet Grace and get to know her. Thank you Grace for keeping Joshua alive in you… and let’s not forget the over 200 people that would be helped with tissue and bone donation.

Life Alliance has and continues to help our family, they help to keep our Joshua alive by letting us tell his story. To share what a difference one can make in being an Organ Donor. When I meet a recipient I realize what Joshua and others have actually done for not just that person but their families.

Not a day goes by our hearts don’t ache for the missing link in our family. I/we are proud and  know Joshua is so proud for all he has, did and continues to do for this world. 

Loving you for always and forever.

- Sharon (donor mom), Brad (donor dad), and Dana (donor sister)