Garrett Brockway was a fun, caring 10-year-old boy who earned straight A's and was reading at a ninth grade level. On Feb. 24, 2013, Garrett was struck by a falling tree near his house and died three days later from the injuries he sustained. His caring soul continued to give through donation of multiple organs, tissue and corneas that helped to save and heal the lives of more than 10 people. Letters from seven recipients describing how Garrett's gifts had saved or changed their lives became gifts to his parents Bruce and Tiffini.

Garrett's Story

Garrett M. Brockway was a fun, caring and giving 10-year-old boy who brought joy to those around him. He was known by his classmates as someone who would stand up for others and make sure the younger children were included in games. Garrett enjoyed many activities including baseball, soccer, tae kwon do, Cub Scouts, running 5K races with his parents, and playing games with his little sister Adeline. He was also a huge fan of Star Wars, Legos, Kit Kat candy bars, but most of all, the St. Louis Cardinals.

As a fourth grader, Garrett earned straight A's and was reading at a ninth grade level. He was a member of St John's Catholic Church in Burlington where he loved being an alter server.

On the snowy day of February 24, 2013, Garrett was struck by a falling tree while helping his father on their property. Three days later, he died from his injuries but his caring soul continued to give after his passing. Garrett's parents, Bruce and Tiffini, felt that organ donation was just another way Garrett could help others and bring much needed hope to families who were also in despair.

Soon after Garrett's death, his family began receiving news of the huge impact his gifts were having on the lives of the recipients. His gift of corneas helped to restore sight to a 10-year-old girl and a 63- year-old grandmother. His heart brought much needed hope to a 14-year-old boy. His kidneys went to a 28-year-old student and a 65-year- old man who was a perfect match. His liver went to a 14-year-old boy and his pancreas to a 43-year-old wife and mother. Through tissue donation, Garrett was able to help a 14-year-old boy who suffered chronic knee pain, a 54-year-old man who enjoyed running 5Ks, and a female police officer who was injured in the line of duty.

Letters from seven recipients describing how Garrett's gifts had saved or changed their lives became gifts to his parents. "News of the recipients brought a bright light to an otherwise dark time for our family," said Tiffini. "The hope that was originally given to the organ recipients was now being given back to us as we prayed for and learned more about these wonderful people."

In his 10 short years, Garrett took on many roles including son, grandson, big brother, cousin, Christian and friend. But most importantly, he took on the role of hero when he became an organ donor and a giver of life.

Garrett's parents have started the Garrett M. Brockway Foundation (www.garrettspath.org) to help promote awareness of organ donation and enhance the lives of local children through academic and athletic programs.