04/26/2026
When Jaxon was pulled from the water he didn’t have a heartbeat. It took a long time and by the time there was a heartbeat back, he was already brain dead. We knew. He was still breathing. But his brain was not responding. A few days later, he was pronounced brain dead.
In those unimaginable moments, we made the decision to donate Jaxon’s organs. It was the hardest — and somehow the most natural — choice we’ve ever made.
Our little boy was full of love, kindness, and joy. And even in death, he could give the gift of life to others.
This weekend marked year two of our run for Jax — and a year and a half without him. It was supposed to rain, and we were incredibly nervous about running in the cold and wet. But somehow, the skies cleared. We like to think all the amazing guardian angels — those who gave the gift of life through organ donation — were watching over us.
We worried fewer people might come this year. Instead, we were overwhelmed all over again by the love and support — so many people showing up for Jax, and showing up for organ donation.
That decision didn’t take away our pain. But it gave it purpose. It gave us something to hold onto when everything else felt lost.
This year has been especially hard for the transplant community, with so much negative news and fear circulating. But what’s often missing are stories like ours. Quiet, powerful stories of families who, in their darkest moments, chose to give the greatest gift imaginable… and the lives forever changed because of it.
For us, it’s not about the headlines. It’s about the hearts behind them.
This is why we continue to share Jaxon’s story — to bring truth, humanity, and hope back into the conversation. To remind people what’s possible, even when it feels like there’s nothing left to give.
Yes, this is a story about grief. But it’s also about legacy. Healing. Connection. And the unexpected beauty that can grow from unimaginable loss.
Let’s shift the conversation about organ donation — from fear to compassion, from doubt to life.
