Brandon Harney was a very outgoing and active 16-year-old. He loved learning, laughing and making others smile. Most of all, Brandon loved life and all it brought. July 31, 2000, Shirley was informed that after his bicycle was hit by a car, Brandon had a brain injury that typically isn't survivable. The following day, Shirley was approached and asked if she had ever considered organ and tissue donation. "My response was 'No, but absolutely yes.'" Brandon became an organ and tissue donor and left his legacy of life for others. "These gifts of life were given out of my love for Brandon and his love for life and others," said Shirley.

Brandon's Story

Brandon Harney was a very outgoing and active 16-year-old. He loved learning, laughing and making others smile. When he was nine years old he began swimming competitively year-round; high school added varsity cross country, water polo, and track to his activities. Most of all, Brandon loved life and all it brought, as each day had something new and special to experience and share. He was dedicated to whatever he started out to do and was determined to accomplish as much as possible.

Late one evening, in July, 2000, Brandon went into the kitchen and said, "Mom, I have accomplished nothing with my life." Shirley was busy and simply said, "You are only 16 and your life has not started." Shirley realized this was not what he wanted to hear, so she shared things he had accomplished and reminded him he still had his whole life ahead of him.

Two weeks later, Shirley received a message from the King County Sheriff's Department; she needed to go to Harborview Hospital immediately. She later found out that the rear of his bike was struck by a car as he was leaving an intersection.

Upon arriving at the hospital and meeting with the doctor, Shirley was informed that Brandon had a brain injury that typically isn't survivable. Twelve hours later the doctor stated that they had re-run the tests and there hadn't been any change in Brandon's condition. Shirley recalls what happened after this exchange, "I remember standing there thinking, 'I think the doctor just told me Brandon is dead.' A few minutes later I was approached and asked if I had ever considered organ and tissue donation. My response was 'No, but absolutely yes.'"

On Aug. 1, 2000 Brandon became an organ and tissue donor, saving and enhancing the lives of 50 people. Brandon left his legacy of life for others through organ and tissue donation. "These gifts of life were given out of my love for Brandon and his love for life and others," said Shirley.