Andrew Endo was a miracle baby born prematurely after a difficult pregnancy. He quickly grew into a happy baby who was the delight of his parents, Bruce and Pam. Not long after Easter, his first and only holiday, Andy's parents received a call summoning them to the hospital. Andrew had stopped breathing during a nap and couldn't be revived. He passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). After being approached by a doctor, the Endos agreed to donate organ and tissue samples for SIDS research in the hope of reducing the incidence of SIDS. Since then, the entire family actively supports organ and tissue donation.

Andrew's Story

Andrew Endo, born January 7, 1981, was a miracle baby to parents Bruce and Pam. A kidney/pancreas recipient, Pam had endured a difficult, high-risk pregnancy, and Andy was delivered prematurely by C-section. He quickly progressed into a cuddly, happy baby, the delight of his parents, entertaining the family with laughs and smiles on Easter, the only holiday he experienced.

All was well for almost four months, but two days after being pronounced in perfect health at a physical, both parents received a terrible call summoning them to the hospital. Andy had stopped breathing during a nap and couldn't be revived. He had died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In the midst of their indescribable grief, a doctor asked Bruce and Pam to donate organ and tissue samples for ongoing SIDS research. Both had already registered as donors several years prior. All they could think of was how their lives had been tragically changed with the loss of their precious baby and, with the idea that others could be spared the grief of such a loss, they said yes. To the Endos, it felt like the right thing to do, and they have never regretted their decision.

Andrew was a child who, for a too-short time, brightened the lives of all who met him, and his legacy is the possibility that he helped in some small way to reduce the current incidence of SIDS. He inspired his parents and his siblings, Amy and AJ, to actively support organ and tissue donation.