Catherine Casey’s daughter Deanna Marie planned to attend college and become a judge. All that changed on October 28, 2006, when 16-year-old Deanna, on her way home from work, was killed in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver. Upon news of the accident, Catherine, an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department, immediately thought of donation, which she and Deanna had agreed was the right thing to do. The Casey family takes heart in the fact that Deanna, “one little girl,” has touched the lives of so many through her gift of tissue donation.

Catherine's Story

Deanna Marie Casey was born with a smile as infectious as her laugh. As a child, she loved playing sports, being outside, socializing with the neighborhood kids and spending time with her family. Deanna orchestrated the family Fourth of July parade, was involved in jazz and tap dance, cheerleading and theatre. Deanna loved to talk, but always had a listening ear, and she was ever the honor student. At age 15, Deanna worked a part-time job and achieved some of her goals: buying a cell phone, passing her driver’s test, and purchasing a car. She also intended to attend college, become a judge, and someday have a family of her own.

But all that changed on October 28, 2006. On her way home from work, 16-year-old Deanna was killed in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver. “Time stopped,” remembered her mother, Catherine. “The momentum of life and all you know collapses to the ground as you watch in slow motion, screaming from the bottom of your soul. In a flash Deanna is gone, and a profound dead silence engulfs your being.”

When Catherine received the heart-wrenching call feared by every parent, she immediately thought of donation. As an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department, Catherine, 44, had witnessed such events first-hand. Upon learning that tissue donation was an option, Catherine said “yes.” According to Catherine, at the time Deanna received her driver’s license, she had a significant conversation with her daughter about donation, and they both agreed that it was the right thing to do.

At the sentencing hearing of the drunk driver involved with Deanna’s accident, it was presented to the court that the defendant was a military veteran. When it was the Caseys’ turn, Catherine, holding a Certificate of Commendation presented by the governor of Minnesota, stated to the court that her daughter was a tissue donor and that she, too, was a hero. Deanna had been recognized for her humanitarianism demonstrated through her generous donation of tissue to others in need.

The Casey family takes heart in the fact that Deanna, “one little girl,” has touched the lives of so many. “Deanna’s gift of tissue has helped restore mobility and improve many patients’ lives,” Catherine stated. “Deanna’s gift of tissue donation has brought me comfort and healing. I never expected that by saying ‘yes’ to tissue donation it would take this atrocious tragedy and give a ray of hope for others.

“Deanna leaves an amazing legacy. Her spirit continues to touch many lives, just as her smile did, and that lives on forever in our hearts. Donation makes good things happen out of unimaginable tragedies.”

Deanna’s family is forever grateful that they could and did donate Deanna’s tissues, and Catherine is committed to educating the young and old following her daughter’s example.