Andrew Charles Benedict was never shy about giving someone a hug and telling them he loved them. His mother, Rhonda, remembered that Andrew’s grandfather said that Andrew “always had a way of making you feel special.’”

On the beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon February 16, 2008, 21-year-old Andrew drove from Central Michigan University, where he was a senior in the School of Business, to spend the day with his family doing something that he loved: snowmobiling. But the afternoon ended in tragedy when Andrew was in an unavoidable snowmobile accident. Despite wearing a helmet, the impact was too severe, and Andrew died from his head injuries two days later.

Several years earlier, Andrew had lost a cousin, Ryan, who became an organ donor. “My husband and I had already discussed organ donation, and we had talked to the kids about it when Ryan had died. Even though he was only about 10 at the time, Andrew said he wanted to be a donor. So that’s what was decided after having a family meeting at the hospital,” said Rhonda.

Andrew’s family has become involved in educating the public about donation. His sister, Jacquelyn, is now a volunteer for Gift of Life Michigan. She organized a family team to walk in the Life Walk this year and was instrumental in setting up a partnership with Gift of Life Michigan and the WNBA Detroit Shock. Everyone in the Benedict family has become an advocate for organ donation, setting up information tables at local events.

“Organ donation is no longer something we just know is out there. It’s real and it CAN happen to you,” said Rhonda. “Have the discussion with your loved ones, and get your heart on your license.”