Andrew Shorter loved music; his favorite artist was Bob Dylan. He loved to play the guitar and piano and composed his own music and songs which were often played, with his bands, at local sites in Louisville. He loved chocolate, his family, children, and his faith. He often talked politics and religion with his friends and coworkers. He worked for UPS for 10 years and was the “Employee of the Month” only weeks before his death.

“Andy also had a generous heart and spirit. He loved others and always helped when a friend needed help,” said his mother, Karen. “He talked about donation and how incredible it would be for others to live on after someone tragically died.”

On Sept. 29, 2008, 30-year-old Andy had a congenital arteriovenous malformation which ruptured; almost instantly, he was brain dead. All of Andy’s organs and both corneas were donated and successfully transplanted.

Andy’s heart was transplanted in Shaye, a 12-year-old girl from Mississippi, She was critically ill when she received the news that a donor had been found. “She is a brave and spirited little girl who has kept in contact with me,” said Karen. “I love to get news from her and hear that she is arguing with her sister, and all the things that children often do. Recently, I gave a talk to a group of donor family members in Mississippi. Shaye was there and we had a great visit.

“Turning a tragedy into triumph has given me and my family a great deal of solace and meaning. Andy only lived 30 years, one month and six days, but he made a big difference in the lives of many other people and their families. He lives on in them and in our hearts. My son was always my hero in life, and he continues to be my hero even after his death.”