My Blue-Eyed Boy: Aidan Joseph “AJ” Skinner · My Blue-Eyed Boy (continued from page 1) Our family has been touched by donation before. My husband is a living organ donor and

1

A bi -annual news let ter to honor organ and t i s sue donors and their fami l ie s . Winter/Spring 2016

My Blue-Eyed Boy:

Aidan Joseph “AJ” Skinner

Written by: Krista Skinner, Donor Mother

Hot, humid air arrived that last week in June

2014. Our family was looking forward to a

summer of entertaining, barbequing and sharing

our newly built patio with friends. Spending time

as a family hiking, traveling or just hanging out at

home was important to us. Aidan was ready to

head off to a three-day goalie lacrosse camp. It

was something he had begged to do all winter

long.

Aidan loved life and he lived it with passion.

Aidan or AJ, depending on who you asked, had

his future completely planned. He played

basketball, swam and skied. As a Boy Scout, he

had spent many days camping and hiking

throughout New England and he worked each

day delivering the local paper on his bike. In the

winter, he loved to create huge, elaborate snow

forts. On vacations, he and his two siblings were

thrill-ride junkies. He loved to draw and doodle.

A Lego fan, his creations are everywhere in our

home. It was a Christmas tradition for him and

his brother to spend a good part of the day

building. Aidan was a dedicated student: a

treasurer for the student council, a member of

the Junior National Honor Society, a part of the

debate team and a volunteer at every charity

event. Every other Sunday he was an altar server

at our parish. But above everything else, Aidan

loved lacrosse and cooking.

The aspiring chef, Aidan, planned on attending

culinary school at Johnson and Wales. From there,

he was headed to Harvard to complete his MBA

so he could start building his restaurant empire. He

had even planned his first restaurant, Boston

Water, a floating building in the harbor. I still have

the menu he designed. As a family we spent many

days together in the kitchen or by the grill creating

meals. We loved to travel and one of my favorite

memories was Aidan’s excitement shopping in a

local neighborhood market in Paris. He had no

fear at the age of ten trying to get vendors to

understand his incredibly limited French. He

would try any food you offered him!

AJ, the lacrosse goalie, was a leader. He wasn’t

afraid to take charge. His dream was to play on

the high school’s varsity team. Every day he was

out there practicing alone or with friends. We

knew going to goalie camp was going to be the

highlight of his summer. The evening before he

left, we grilled pizzas and planned the Fourth of

July menu. He wanted to impress my friend, one

of his teachers, with a new recipe.

Aidan had a great first day and night at camp. My

husband received a text saying he was “definitely”

having an awesome time. He spent the evening

texting friends. The next morning, July 1, while on

the practice field, Aidan suffered a massive brain

hemorrhage caused by an undiagnosed AVM. He

had always been a healthy, active boy and was

rarely ill. Aidan was resuscitated on the field, and

he was taken by med flight from a local hospital

to a critical care hospital. By early afternoon, we

learned that Aidan, at the age of 12, would not

survive. When they first asked us to consider

donation, before my husband or I could even

open our mouths, it was Aidan’s older brother

and sister that said we were going to do it.

(cont’d on page 2)

Aidan and one of his creations

2

My Blue-Eyed Boy

(continued from page 1)

Our family has been touched by

donation before. My husband is

a living organ donor and Aidan

had written about how much he

wanted to help someone like his

dad some day. We knew that

Aidan would want to help

whomever he could. On July 2,

2014, my blue-eyed boy left us to

become a hero.

Aidan touched many lives. As a

very tall 12 1/2 year old, Aidan’s

organs were able to go to people

with a wide range of ages. His

recipients ranged from teenagers

to people in their 40’s. We also

donated AJ’s corneas. Generous

friends and family honored our

wishes to support New England

Organ Bank. We continue to be

overwhelmed by the outpouring

of support we have received by

our friends, community, schools,

New England Organ Bank, the

hospital and people we have

never met. Aidan is missed by

many friends who continue to

honor his memory and share

their stories with us.

Although there is not a moment

that goes by that we don’t wish

that Aidan was here with us, we

find comfort in the fact that he

was able to help others to begin

to live life fully again. Aidan was

generous with his time, held his

hand out to those that needed it,

laughed loud, fought hard and

loved with a love that still

surrounds us today.

The Skinner Family

Donate Life tree created by

the Skinner Family in honor of AJ

The Transplant Games of America is an Olympic-style

athletic competition that raises organ and tissue donor

awareness by displaying the talents and abilities of

individuals who have undergone life-saving transplant

surgeries, as well as honoring families whose loved ones

have given the gift of life. Competition events are open

to organ transplant recipients, living donors, and tissue

transplant recipients. There will also be special programs

and workshops available for donor families to attend as

well as plenty of opportunities to cheer on our athletes as

they prove that transplantation works!

Join Team New England!

For more information:

[email protected]

or call Laura Dempsey at 617-558-6681

3

Kaitlyn D. Doorhy, OUR FORCE

Written By: Darla Doorhy, Donor Mother

Kaitlyn was our daughter, sister, friend, niece,

goddaughter, granddaughter. She was an all

around giving, loving and spiritual young lady.

Kaitlyn was entering her junior year at Sacred

Heart University, majoring in law when her life

at the age of 20 was cut short. Kaitlyn was struck

by a reckless driver while standing on a side walk

volunteering her time for her sorority Kappa

Delta. The sorority that was close to Kaitlyn’s

heart. She entered heaven that day.

Our daughter/sister received the highest honor of

Ambassador with Girl Scouts, played the

saxophone, flute, piano and was a member of

the jazz and concert bands both in high school

and college. She was a cheerleader, a member of

NJROTC, an alter server and a DECA member—

a group that performs in academic competitions.

Kaitlyn was also a Mattituck Strawberry Queen, a

volunteer at Maureen’s Haven (a homeless

shelter) and participated in mock trial. She was

an honor roll student for 4 years in high school

and on the Dean’s List in college. She had a hand

in countless cultural, civic and community efforts.

Kaitlyn always took the time to understand

various points of view, especially those of her

elders. Her character wouldn’t let her turn a

blind eye to the needs of the family, neighbors,

community, church or classmates. Even at a

young age, Kaitlyn lent her support to numerous

community events such as Athletic Boosters,

social activities and religious causes; usually

assuming a leadership role. Blending into the

background was not her character. She is a

FORCE.

Kaitlyn worked 3 jobs at the age of 16. She

managed two restaurants (Amano & Allure) and

worked as a sales associate at Michael Kors.

At the age of 16, Kaitlyn became a verbal donor

to me. She was able to save 4 lives. What a

beautiful gift to those families.

Our lives will never be the same. I know our

precious daughter Kaitlyn’s life lives on in these 4

people whom she gave life to.

Our daughter had two hands, one to do for

herself and the other to do for others. That’s

exactly what she did in the end.

I have written to 2 of the 4 recipients. It would

be wonderful to hear from all 4 so we could

share how beautiful their donor was.

An organization was formed by our daughter’s

friends to keep Kaitlyn’s memory alive. Please

visit: Kaitsangels.org to learn more about the

wonderful good being done in honor of her. It’s

a beautiful tribute to our amazing young

daughter.

4

NEW ENGLAND DONOR MEMORIAL

Dedicated in October 2015, the Gift of Life Memorial is designed by world renowned artist Robert

Shure along with his talented daughter, sculpturist Lisa Benson. Mr. Shure is the owner of Skylight

Studios in Woburn, MA. His historic sculpture design studio has produced public works which are

familiar to many, including the Fallen Firefighters sculpture beside the MA State House and the beloved

FAO Schwartz Teddy Bear now on display at The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical

Center in Boston. Mr. Shure knows the power of donation as he is the recipient of two sight restoring

corneal transplants. It was this gift of sight that has allowed him to continue to pursue his creative

talents. His gratitude for that gift has propelled him to donate his talents to create this amazing

sculpture which honors all organ and tissue donors. Lisa Benson worked in tandem with her father in

the conception and production of the memorial. She has prepared an artist’s statement which

accompanies the sculpture to provide their interpretation of the symbolism used throughout this

beautiful work of art.

Artist Statement

The “Young Tree of Life” represents new and renewed

life. Emerging from the tree stump, it shows a richness

of fresh growth—out of death comes the gift of life. The

donor is reborn in the life of the recipient.

The tree stump, although it is depicted with many rings,

is a life cut short but it has the chance to foster the

growth of these young leaves. Each leaf is unique to

embody the variety of situations and lives that are

affected. If you look closely, you can see oak, maple,

birch and many other shapes taken from nature and the

imagination.

The rich bronze patina’s subtle reds and greens have the

effect of bark, wood and foliage—a physical

manifestation of the richness of life made possible

because of the generosity of donors.

Resting “Butterflies of Rebirth” have nestled in the

leaves and in their metamorphosis they also become a

symbol of rebirth. They are gilded a shiny silver tone and

lend an association to brand-new existence.

Though the “Tree of Life” has deep symbolism, its

design is not complex. The natural imagery is intended

to be simple and uplifting to those who visit. The

memorial is now a place to come and reflect for donor

families, organ and tissue recipients and all others

affected positively by the mission of New England

Organ Bank.

You may visit the memorial at:

New England Organ Bank, 60 First Avenue,

Waltham, MA 02451

5

Thank You!

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed

to this edition of Reflections. If you have a story

or idea you would like to share with others,

please contact us. Your input continues to make

this publication an important resource.

Reach us at: [email protected]

Our Mission:

To save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation.

Want to learn more? Visit our newly updated website: neob.org

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Stay Connected with the Mission

Like Us?

If you would like to continue to receive future issues

of Reflections please contact us:

Phone: (781) 373-7945 or (800) 446-6362

Email: [email protected]

GOING GREEN?

Find this newsletter on: neob.org

Suffer the Angel

In loving memory, for Andrea

By G. Gregory Tooker, November, 2014

There lived a lady of grace and kindness,

Who chose to serve those most in need,

The world’s children she wished to bless,

Touched all before her, each race and creed.

With voice and note she sought to heal,

Gentle strains that soothed one’s soul,

Suffering body quelled not her zeal,

Her eyes, her smile played a great role.

Less gifted students numbered many,

Through passing years she labored on,

Complaints of pain were few, if any,

Perhaps some day, discomfort gone.

And one day as she wove her magic,

Our angel called by unknown power,

Event her loved ones deemed so tragic,

Bid Earth farewell and climbed her tower.

Her energy, presence still remain,

Felt by all who had the pleasure,

To meet our angel, now free of pain,

Her memory, a lasting treasure.

6

Donate Life Volunteer Community

COMING IN 2016…NEW VOLUNTEER WEBINARS!!!

Webinars will provide you with an opportunity to learn about NEOB’s

Donate Life Volunteer Program; they are free and will be held evenings.

To participate in a volunteer webinar please contact us at:

[email protected]. Join a great team of individuals who

promote the benefits of donation through educational events and

outreach programs!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Promote organ & tissue donation by

placing a 5” x 5” DONATE LIFE car

magnet on your vehicle! To receive a

FREE car magnet or learn more about

volunteer opportunities, please

contact Jennifer Cray, Volunteer

Manager at: (617) 571-9582 or

[email protected]

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

College Campus Campaigns

Donor Drives

DMV Ambassador Programs

Sporting Events

Media Campaigns

High School Programs

Team Donate Life New England APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

Each April, communities across

New England celebrate

National Donate Life Month.

Many do nor f am i l i e s ,

transplant recipients, living

donors and others touched by

donation reach out to their

town officials to host a

donation awareness event or

activity. These events allow

individuals to show their

support of organ and tissue

donation.

Virginia Champagne, NEOB volunteer, participating in Motor Vehicle Ambassador Program

New England Organ Bank

60 First Avenue

Waltham, MA 02451