Christpher Paturzo III was a very active and energetic boy. Always interested in motorcycles, Chris enjoyed taking trips to ride his dirt bike and quads. One night, on his way home from a family dinner at his favorite restaurant, Chris was in a motorcycle accident. Chris had massive internal injuries; after six days, he was declared brain dead. "Since Chris had such a kind heart and was always reaching out to help others, we consented to donation," said his mom, Judi. "This is helping our family in our difficult journey towards hope and healing. I am honored to share my son's story with others in hopes that they, too, will consider donation."

Chris's Story

Christpher Paturzo III was a very active and energetic boy. He spent his early years in Colorado hunting, fishing, camping, riding his bicycle and playing sports. He was always interested in motorcycles. When Chris was seven he traded his horse, AJAX, for his first dirt bike. Chris enjoyed riding his dirt bike and quads at Gorman, Pismo and Glamis. He looked forward to trips with his younger sister Michelle, her husband Nelson, his three nieces Briana, Natalie and Andrea, and his many friends. His eyes would sparkle and he would grin from ear to ear when he came home and talked about his latest adventure.

One night, the family met Chris at his favorite restaurant for dinner; they had no idea that would be their last meal together as a family. He was on his way home when he was involved in a motorcycle accident. Even though he had no broken bones, he had massive internal injuries and bleeding. The doctor put him into a medical coma to keep him still. Unfortunately after six long days, three major surgeries and many complications, Chris was declared brain dead by the medical staff.

The trauma surgeon asked the family if Chris was a donor. "We didn't know, but since Chris had such a kind heart and was always reaching out to help others, we consented to donation. On August 27, 2007 we painfully said our goodbyes, took him off respiratory support and left the hospital without him," said his mother, Judi. Less than an hour later, someone called from OneLegacy, the Los Angeles organ recovery organization. She told Judi that Chris had registered as a donor at DMV three years prior to his accident. "It is comforting for us to know that Chris's wishes were being granted."

Chris's compassionate decision to donate has made it possible for as many as 50 others to live and have a better quality of life. "This is helping our family in our difficult journey towards hope and healing. As the mother of a donor and an Ambassador for Donate Life, I am honored to share my son's story with others in hopes that they, too, will consider donation."