Donor Hero

My son, Nicholas Paquette, had just turned 23 when he was hit by a car while crossing the street at a busy intersection near our home. Despite all efforts to save him at the hospital, he died two days later from his injuries. For my family and me, his passing truly broke our hearts and forever changed our lives. At the time of the accident, Nick was a student at Florida Atlantic University, while also working part-time in a dermatologist’s office. He was known as “Sensei Nick” at a local karate dojo, where he had achieved second-degree black belt status, and helped to train newer students. He was a loyal friend, with a witty sense of humor and a passion for cars.

Nicholas always gave of himself, and several years ago, he chose to become an organ donor when he got his driver’s license. Today, he’d be happy to know his decision meant being able to impact the lives of 70 people through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Sixty-four bone, tissue, and cartilage grafts have been transplanted into patients, vastly improving their quality of life, while two other recipients had their vision restored with Nick’s corneas. Additionally, Nicholas’ heart, liver and both kidneys saved the lives of four fortunate people, giving them a second chance at life.

To help deal with the pain of losing Nick, I started writing letters to his organ recipients a couple of months after his accident. It was really an answered prayer to hear back from Rene, Nicholas’ liver recipient, who was near her own death, when her family received the call that Nick’s liver was available. Recently, at the Florida Transplant reunion picnic in Orlando, my family had the opportunity to meet Rene and her family. She is a wonderful woman with a great sense of humor (like Nicholas’). She loves the Lord and couldn’t be more appreciative of Nick’s gift of life.

Through Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency (LAORA) at the University of Miami, I’ve become a “Donate Life Ambassador” and whenever I can, I share Nick’s story at hospitals, DMVs, and even the Florida Transplant Hospital Reunion. Despite the tragedy of losing Nicholas, his decision to be a donor has been a real source of comfort, encouragement, and pride for my family and me. Knowing that my son’s life continues to have such a powerful impact on the lives of so many others, gives us some peace. He is truly a hero and we’re so proud of him.