In 2006, David Nelson was rushed to the hospital with an aneurysm. When it was clear that David would not survive, his mother Patricia and other family members were approached about donation. Because David had registered as a donor, his family did not have to make the decision on his behalf. Inspired by David's gift of life, his family and friends created the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund, which awards scholarships to children of donors. "We are committed to sharing David's compassion and desire to help others," said Patricia. "We are grateful to have had him in our lives and proud to remember him."

Patricia's Story

Patricia Nelson and her husband David celebrated the birth of their son David in February 1980. David's parents were amazed that a baby could be so good, like an angel showing up in their home. As he grew, it was apparent that David was a gentle soul with a great deal of empathy and compassion for others, recalled Patricia.

Throughout his life, David was a wonderful son and a true big brother to his sisters, Kaitlyn, Kyle and Alison. The family grew when he married and became father figure to Camryn, his step-daughter. Camryn always brought out the kid in David, and he was always there for her, whether at a family outing, chaperoning a school event with her classmates, or just hanging out.

The Nelson family spent summers at the Jersey shore and as a result, David developed a great passion for the beach while growing up. Each New Year's Day, for 22 years, David proudly marched and danced alongside his father David with the Jokers NYA (New Year's Association) in the Philadelphia Mummers Parade. In 2004 and 2005, he participated with the Jokers in Fantasy Fest in Key West, Fla., allowing him to bring his two passions together. Sadly, 2005 would be the last year David would celebrate the New Year with the Jokers.

In July 2006, David was found unconscious and rushed to the hospital, where it was determined he had an aneurysm. When it was clear that David would not survive, the family was approached by The Gift of Life Donor Program. Patricia recalled having had a conversation with David about donation, and Gift of Life confirmed that David had registered to become a donor. His organ and tissue donation saved and healed many lives. It was during those days and after his passing that his family came to realize just how far David's caring and compassion reached out into the world and touched people.

Inspired by David's decision to be an organ donor, his family and friends created the David Nelson Jr. Memorial Fund. The memorial fund awards scholarships to children of parents who became donors. "Because we learned first-hand the tremendous value of The Gift of Life, we are privileged to be involved in opportunities to create awareness," said David's mother, Patricia.

An employee of Furness High School in Philadelphia, Patricia posted photographs of her family participating in the 2007 Donor Dash in memory of David. Sophomore Alvin Rasheed Way saw the pictures and proposed creating a Gift of Life Club at the school with the intention of recruiting students to participate in the Donor Dash in David's honor. In 2008, 32 students participated and in 2009, the team grew to include more than 200 students. Tragically, Alvin passed away from heart failure when crossing the 5K finish line at the 2009 event. "Today, we continue to remember him at the Dash, alongside David," said Patricia.

"Our family and friends are committed to sharing David's compassion and desire to help others. We are grateful to have had him in our lives and proud to remember him by supporting the children of donors and encouraging others to become donors," said Patricia.

More information about the David Nelson, Jr. Memorial Fund is available at www.davidnelsonjrmemorialfund.org.