July is National Bereaved Parents Month and Nevada Donor Network is honored to share the stories of parents who support their child’s decision to give the ultimate gift through organ, eye and tissue donation. The month is dedicated to raising awareness for the needs and support a parent has who has endured the loss of a child. Nevada Donor Network understands that everyone’s grief journey is different. While grief can change over time, the feeling never goes away.
Nevada Donor Network’s Aftercare Team provides several resources which include in-person and virtual grief support groups along with in-person and online grief resources. We are always here to hold space for what heroic donor’s loved ones carry after such an immense loss. Grief can often come in waves of anger, longing, love, remembrance and sadness. One way we encourage families to support their loved one’s legacy is to share their hero’s story.
Earlier this month, in honor of National Parents’ Day, we recognized the important role a parent plays in their child’s life. We introduced our online community to Chayden. He gave the ultimate gift through eye and tissue donation which his parents fully supported and were extremely proud of.
Chayden’s parents shared, “Chayden was a young soul who embraced family, life, love and the power of happiness. Our Chayden had so much to offer anyone who crossed his path. He was the second youngest of five boys, an amazing son and an uncle to three. Chayden loved spending time with his nephew, Caesyn, playing Nintendo Switch and Dance Party with his older brother and the girls. He was a hard worker and created a family in his work environment. I cannot express how much love this kid had for everyone. Chayden could turn a bad day into an adventure that would make you smile, and positive vibes beamed from him. That is just who he was. In Chayden’s short time on earth, he lived a full 20 years of life. He experienced friendships that became family, took the best parts of his brothers to make his own and had the love of his life by his side. Chayden lived on his own with his brother, had a full-time job, a car and a dog named Sadie, who adored him. He also had a mom and dad who were so proud of him. Chayden asked what it meant to be an organ, eye and tissue donor when he was filling out the paperwork for his driver’s license at the Nevada DMV. He knew he wanted to save lives, and his dream was to be a firefighter. When Chayden checked that box, he felt a sense of pride. Now here Chayden is, still making us proud because he is making a difference and making people smile, even those he does not know. Someone once told us, “To know Chayden was to love him, and if you got the chance to meet him, he already loved you back.” Our handsome young, Chayden… You are loved and missed dearly. It is such an honor to be able to share your miracles with others. Knowing you have been able to help someone see the world is comforting to our hearts.”
Inspired by the legacy Chayden left behind through organ, eye and tissue donation? Be a hero like Chayden by registering here!