In August 2011, Emily Henwood's brother Jeremy was killed in the line of duty, and she was heartbroken. Jeremy was registered to be an organ donor, and was able to donate after he died. Life after Jeremy was killed was difficult for Emily. "I had to seek counseling to understand why such a terrible thing had to happen to our family," recalled Emily. Emily found strength, however, in Jeremy's donation of organs to two women. "His choice to be an organ donor has given us all a sense of honor and pride," said Emily. "The world is a better place because of my brother Jeremy and I am proud to be his sister."

Emily's Story

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Emily Henwood attended the same middle and high schools as her brothers Jeremy and Robbie. She played basketball, softball, and ran track her senior year. After attending a few years of college in Texas, Emily decided to get to know her Canadian family better and applied to Carleton University in Ottawa. She moved there in August 2004, and after graduating in 2006, Emily followed her love for fitness to a position as a personal trainer for a fitness boutique in Ottawa.

It was there she met and fell in love with Josh Shaver. They have been together for nearly six years and live with their Husky, Mia, and cats Tex and Shelby. Emily eventually found her calling in sales and began to work for Rogers Media selling marketing strategies for small to mid-sized companies across the Ottawa area.

As she was experiencing tremendous success in her career, Emily was sobered by tragic circumstances. In August 2011, Emily's brother Jeremy, an officer with the San Diego Police Department, was killed in the line of duty, and she had to return to work to finish out the year the best she could in the face of heartbreak.

Life after Jeremy was killed was difficult for Emily. "I had to seek counseling to understand why such a terrible thing had to happen to our family," recalled Emily. "I lived in perpetual fear for several months that life is so fragile anyone of us could go next. I found it difficult to sleep and eat for a few months and lost the desire to work out and be fit – a personal tragedy."

Emily found strength, however, in knowing that Jeremy had registered to be an organ donor, and was able to donate after he died. "His choice to be an organ donor has given us all a sense of honor and pride that our brother, son, cousin and friend did such an amazing thing and gave the gift of life to two women," said Emily. She looks forward to meeting them in December and hearing how Jeremy's decision to be an organ donor has changed their lives.

"Jeremy was always trying to help others and he continues to do that through his choice to give life," said Emily. "I hope his legacy lives on and is able to touch the hearts of people all over the world for years to come and I hope they pay it forward as a result. The world is a better place because of my brother Jeremy and I am proud to be his sister."