Alicia was a healthy 27-year-old who had just completed her first semester of law school in 2009. Alicia wanted to make a difference in the world, and organ donation fulfilled one of her wishes. About three months before Alicia's accident, she was watching a news story about organ transplants. Her parents recalled, "She asked us not to bury her organs if she was ever at the point of no return. We knew we were making the right decision because Alicia had told us what to do. We are privileged and grateful that we were able to fulfill Alicia's final wish."

Alicia's Story

Alicia Jeannette Sabaugh was the oldest child of Sue and Sam Sabaugh, and sister to Jason and Sammy. Alicia was a healthy 27-year-old who had just completed her first semester of law school in 2009. Alicia never met an argument she didn't like. Mature and insightful, she always wanted to know more, turning to books and the Internet; everything had to be proven and understood. In addition to a high aptitude in math and science, Alicia discovered a passion for art, and she had amazing talent for it. Her beautiful paintings and sketches are memories that her family cherishes today. "We will always remember her sense of humor; we could poke fun at each other and laugh like there was no tomorrow. She was the love of our lives and made all of our lives better and more rewarding," said her parents.

She was an advocate for those less fortunate or underprivileged and seemed to be driven by the need to find her special place in life. Alicia wanted to make a difference in the world, and organ donation fulfilled one of her wishes.

On the night of Alicia's accident, a neurosurgeon called her condition grave, predicting she wasn't going to survive. At that moment, Alicia's mother and father asked the hospital chaplain to notify someone that Alicia had requested her organs be donated. About three months before Alicia's accident, she was watching a news story about organ transplants. She was impressed that an organ transplant had immediate success for the recipient. Her parents recalled, "She looked over to us and asked us not to bury her organs if she was ever at the point of no return. We knew we were making the right decision, because Alicia had told us what to do. As her parents, we are privileged and grateful that we were able to fulfill Alicia's final wishes."

That conversation was a defining moment in Alicia's shortened life. Alicia wanted to give, and her organ donation was the ultimate gift. "Alicia's gift has taken our personal tragedy and made it into a healthy life for someone else. Our sadness is comforted when we think of Alicia living within another person."