Elliot Carbajal, 40, was a kind, giving and caring man. He loved many things, especially his family and family gatherings. Although he didn't have much, he was generous with all he did have. He loved learning and helping others succeed, and often tutored children. During his lifetime, he donated more than six gallons of whole blood, platelets and plasma. One of his biggest wishes was to become an organ donor and help others even after his passing, which he did on December 16, 2009. Elliot continues to be a great inspiration and has motivated countless family members, friends and strangers to become organ donors and to donate blood regularly.

Elliot's Story

Elliot Carbajal was a kind, giving and caring man. He loved many things, especially his family and family gatherings. He also loved nature, music and several sports including soccer, football, hiking, bike riding, swimming and river rafting. Although he didn't have much, Elliot was generous with all he did have. He would give the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his pocket. He would miss the bus to give his full attention to a friend or stranger who needed to talk. Elliot cherished all of his friendships and often helped friends of friends, people he had never met before. He taught friends' kids how to swim so they would be safe.

Graduating in the top ten of his class, he loved learning and helping others succeed. He tutored his classmates, nieces and nephews, and countless friends" kids. One of his favorite moments was when young children finally had that "ah-ha" moment, understanding something for the first time.

Being a regular blood donor was important to Elliot. Recognizing that he could help so many people, he donated more than six gallons of whole blood, platelets and plasma in his short lifetime. One of his biggest wishes was to become an organ donor and help others even after his passing.

Elliot passed away on December 16, 2009, with his family by his side. He had just celebrated his 40th birthday a month prior. Elliot's wish of being an organ donor was fulfilled and his kidneys gave the gift of life to two people. He continues to be a great inspiration and has motivated countless family members, friends and strangers to become organ donors and to donate blood regularly. With the help of Puget Sound Blood Center, the Carbajal Family Annual Blood Drive in Arlington, WA, was established to continue Elliot's legacy of life.