In June 2003, Fannie Brown's 21-year-old son Jeremy was a passenger in a car hit by a drunk driver. At first Fannie did not want to donate, but after the initial shock of her son’s death, she decided that even though he was not registered as an organ donor, she wanted to help someone else live through her son.

Fannie and Jeremy's Story

Jeremy Alford was a normal 21-year-old. He cheered the Oakland Raiders, loved PlayStation, football and basketball. And he coached the neighborhood young girls’ basketball team – helping them to win several trophies.

Early June 26, 2003, Jeremy was riding in a car when a drunk driver hit them. His mother, Fannie Brown, was at work at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, where she and Jeremy worked together. She had heard others talking about a terrible car crash they had seen on the way to work. “Little did I know then that it involved my son, until the hospital called me,” recalls Fannie.

When Fannie and her daughter arrived at the trauma unit of Erie County Medical Center, the doctor informed them that Jeremy was in critical condition; shortly after, and following many tests, he was declared brain dead.

“I was overwhelmed with grief and didn’t know what to do next,” says Fannie. “A woman named Darlene from Upstate New York Transplant Services approached us about the possibility of organ donation.”

Jeremy did not have an organ donor card. His injuries were limited to his brain, so his heart, lungs, and other organs were quite viable.

“I have to admit that at first I didn’t want to do it. But after the initial shock of my son’s death, we decided that even though he was not a registered organ donor, he would have wanted to help save other people and so did we,” adds Fannie. “I signed the paper that allowed them to retrieve his organs.”

Eight people have directly benefited from Jeremy’s organs, while his pancreas was donated for research. “It is a terrible thing to lose one’s child. But, I feel his spirit still lives on. I am happy to know that he has saved so many lives,” Fannie says. “Darlene was a really nice, wonderful person. She helped us get through this and whenever she sees me she always asks how we’re doing. It feels good that someone remembers Jeremy like I do.

“When I was called about riding on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, it was right before Mother’s Day. I was so touched. Even though Jeremy is not here with me, it was the best Mother’s Day ever.”