Annie Sarah Fleming lived life to its fullest. On August 16, 2003, 21-year-old Annie suffered a massive bleed to the left side of her brain caused by an arteriovenous malformation, a congenital condition that presents no symptoms until it is too late. She was pronounced brain dead three days later.

“I am now trying to understand how my tragic loss has given hope to others,” said Annie’s mother, Kristie Nielson Corning. “In her death, Annie gave the ‘gift of life’ to four people. Organ donation was her choice; now it is her legacy. My Annie, my daughter who was taken so tragically, has given light to those facing total darkness.

“The journey is long and never-ending. I continue to learn how to live with the unthinkable. I continue to learn how great the gift of life is. I should have been Annie’s guardian angel. Instead, she is mine. She is part of everything I do.”