As a human resources manager, Missy Sweitzer had dealt with many kinds of situations, but she never thought she would face her own son’s death. Since 20-year-old Zachary died in a car accident on Thanksgiving morning, 2008, Missy, her husband Mark, and their daughters Emma and Lauren consider carrying out Zachary’s wish to be an organ and tissue donor a blessing for their family. “Knowing Zachary gave life to six individuals has given us peace in the most difficult time of our lives.” Missy and Mark are active volunteers with Gift of Life Donor Program and have underwritten a family room in Gift of Life's Family House in Zachary's memory.

Missy's Story

Missy Sweitzer’s son Zachary made the decision to be an organ and tissue donor when he first received his driver's license. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman as well as a volunteer fireman, and his passion was farming.

A human resources manager, Missy, 43, had dealt with many kinds of situations. But she never thought she would have to face her own son’s death. When 20-year-old Zachary died in a car accident on November 30, 2008, he was able to donate his kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, pancreas, corneas, skin and bones.

Missy, her husband Mark, and their daughters Emma and Lauren consider carrying out Zachary’s wish to be an organ and tissue donor a blessing for their family. “Knowing Zachary gave life to six individuals has given us peace in the most difficult time of our lives,” said Missy.

For the past two years, the Sweitzers have shared their experience throughout Central Pennsylvania, inspiring others to register as organ and tissue donors. They have organized Team Sweitzer in Zachary’s memory to run in the Dash for Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness in Philadelphia. Both years, their team has been one of the largest and most successful teams, with more than 200 members this past year.

Missy and Mark are also active volunteers with Gift of Life Donor Program and have underwritten a family room in Gift of Life's Family House in Zachary's memory.