Aric Michael Brill was brilliant, focused, had a bright future, and cared about people and their well-being. While getting his learner's permit at the DMV, Aric signed up to be a donor. On February 20, 2009, Aric was shot to death while walking home from a birthday party. Six of Aric's organs were donated, and his mother recalls that as the family sat at the hospital during the organ recovery process, they felt a little hope. "The pain and despair of losing Aric eased slightly because we knew that in a few hours other people would have a second chance at life."

Aric's Story

Aric Michael Brill was born Jan. 29, 1993. He was brilliant, focused, and had a bright future ahead of him. Aric was also a loyal and loving friend. He loved meeting people and engaging them in conversation in order to seek knowledge and understanding. Aric cared about people and their well-being. He was a community volunteer and wanted others to succeed.

When Aric's mom Karen took him to the DMV in Las Vegas to get his learner's permit, she told him he had the option of being an organ donor. With no hesitation he replied, "Mom, if I can't use my organs anymore, I would want someone else to have them." Karen didn't know then that just a few months later, she would relive that conversation when asked to give consent to donate her son's organs.

On February 20, 2009, Aric was shot to death by gang members who tried to rob him and his friends as they were walking home from a birthday party. The first police officer on the scene performed CPR until medical personnel arrived. Because of that officer's efforts, Aric's organs remained viable for donation. "Thankfully, I already knew what Aric wanted; having had that previous conversation with my son took a lot of stress off of me," said Karen.

Six of Aric's organs were donated, and Karen recalls that as the family all sat at the hospital during the organ recovery process, they felt a little hope. "The actual pain and despair of losing Aric seemed to ease slightly because we all knew that in just a few hours, other people would have the organs they were so desperately praying for, and with that would come their second chance for life and a better quality of life."

Shortly before the one-year anniversary of Aric's death, Karen received a card from the recipient of Aric's heart. Louis is a triathlete, spiritual, and a deep-thinker, like Aric. "Watching Louis rebuild his life has helped us heal as a family; we are extremely thankful that he allows us to be part of his life. We have also had contact with one of Aric's kidney recipients and lung recipient. They are very grateful, doing well, and keep us updated on Facebook."

Since Aric's death, Karen volunteers on a regular basis to speak to students, doctors, nurses, recipients, and whomever else will listen. Karen said of her volunteer experience, "Sharing our story and experiencing how Aric has changed so many lives heals my own heart and makes me a stronger person. I will never forget that life is so precious, and so are the memories of our beautiful and loving son."