05/31/2026
“On May 4, 2012, it was anything but ordinary. At 4 p.m., my husband and I were getting ready to leave when two sheriffs came up my driveway. All I said was, ‘Which one of my boys is in trouble?’ They asked if I was Greg's mom. They asked to come in. We sat in the living room when one proceeded to tell me that Greg was in an accident. In my mind, I prayed that he was in the hospital. My prayers weren’t wrong, but he was in the morgue.
My life, as well as my oldest son’s life, changed.
When I was contacted by the organ procurement organization (OPO) about tissue donation, I said that I needed to contact his dad, my ex, to see if he would like to do this. He said 'yes'. They called back, and I gave them permission. I went through all their questions to the best of my knowledge.
I chose to have him cremated. Since he was such an outdoorsman, we placed his ashes in a goose decoy, since he wouldn’t fit in a duck. I hated finding out from his girlfriend Ashley that he had asked her dad for permission to marry her. Coming from a 23-year-old, chivalry isn’t dead.
I have only heard from two recipients, for his cornea and a tendon graft. I have received a list of where his donations all went. Greg was always a person who helped others, whether asked or jumping in. Knowing he continued to help others with his donation of skin, tendons, veins, and more, he continues to live.
I speak his name to keep his memory alive.
I am pleased to introduce to you my son Greg, forever 23, pictured with his dog Gus."
—Denise
