Brian Christian Ellis was born November 1, 1978 with severe hydrocephalus. His family was told that Brian would not achieve much in life. Brian surprised everyone, learning to sit up, walk and talk. He never grew mentally past the age of a child, but he grew up healthy and happy. The shunt he received at two weeks of age lasted 31 years, until the surgery to replace it led to an infection that took his life. In his passing, Brian gave life to six people. "We are very proud of Brian," said his mother Diane. "So many thought he would not achieve much in his life, but look what he has done! What a legacy!"

Brian's Story

Brian Christian Ellis was born November 1, 1978, in Downey, Calif. He was born with severe hydrocephalus and was immediately transferred to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. At the age of two weeks, a shunt was placed in his brain to allow the fluid blocked in his head to move down to his stomach, giving him a chance to live.

"We were told that Brian would not achieve much in life, and were advised against placing a shunt in his head," recalled his mother Diane. "He possessed little brain matter, did not have a gag reflex, and could not suck a bottle. I was told he didn't feel any pain, may never talk, sit up or even roll over. But Brian surprised us all, especially his doctors."

He learned to sit up, walk and talk; he learned to ride a bike, was potty trained and could eat with little assistance. He never grew mentally past the age of a child; he could not read, did not understand time or money, and needed help all his life with his personal matters; but he grew up healthy and happy. His essence was beautiful. His smile rarely left his face and came from a place deep in his soul that brightened any room he entered. He did suffer from grand mal seizures, but they were controlled by medicine.

Brian was a joy to have as a son. He loved music: Bob Marley, Paul Simon, Oldies But Goodies. He loved to sing and had a beautiful voice himself. His favorite show was "I Love Lucy," and he mostly agreed with Ricky on Lucy's behavior. He also liked Disney shows and TV Land reruns.

In 2000, Brian graduated from the Speech and Language School in Buena Park, Calif. After graduation he became a client of the Easter Seal Program in Downey. He enjoyed socializing with his friends and getting out and about in the community.

The shunt he received at two weeks of age lasted 31 years, never needing to be replaced, until Nov. 2009. The surgery was deemed a success. A week later, when recovery was taken for granted, an infection developed and a second surgery was undertaken. That night Brian stopped breathing and was placed on a respirator; 48 hours later he was declared brain dead.

To honor his life, and the beautiful spirit he possessed, his family chose to donate his organs through OneLegacy. Brian gave the gift of life to six people. His pancreas was donated for research. We were with Brian to the very end, escorting him to the OR for the third and final time in three weeks. We waited at the hospital until all his organs were recovered successfully and then we left. We had great nurses who had provided us a way to lie next to our son and hold him one final time, he was so warm and peaceful looking, it was as if he was just sleeping. We did not need to see him after the organs were recovered.

In his death, Brian has become all of us. He is gone, but he is still here; he is nowhere, yet he is everywhere. His heart beats life into a child; his lungs give breath to two women; his liver filters the poisons of a 44-year-old man; and his kidneys purify the bodies of a young mother and a teenage boy.

To honor her son's life, Diane has participated in many community events as a volunteer Ambassador for OneLegacy. She joined the Donate Life Run/Walk, decorated the Donate Life Rose Parade float, and participated in a Rose Dedication Ceremony. She also created a Donate Life California e-campaign for Brian (http://register.donatelifecalifornia.org/BrianChristianEllis) to tell his story and promote organ donation.

"We are very proud of Brian. So many thought he would not achieve much in his life, but look what he has done! He has given the gift of life! He is bringing happiness and joy to others who he never met. What an achievement! What a legacy!"