Hailey Rath was a dynamic, outgoing thirteen-year-old who loved life. She played volleyball, basketball, softball and had a brown belt in karate. Hailey had a big heart and loved to help. She loved to go four-wheeling and if she didn't get muddy, she didn't have fun. Hailey's life was tragically cut short at the age of 13 due to injuries she sustained in an automobile accident. In her passing she became an organ and tissue donor. Hailey's dad, Jeff, sings at local county fairs, all the while telling Hailey's story and promoting organ donation. Hailey is remembered with the annual Hailey Rath Memorial Event, now in its fifth year.

Hailey's Story

Hailey Rath was a dynamic, outgoing thirteen-year-old who lived life with Jesus in her heart. Hailey was active in the local church and enjoyed attending Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, WI. She played volleyball, basketball, softball and had a brown belt in karate. "Hail's" had a big heart and just wanted to be accepted by her peers.

Hailey was always outside hanging out and helping others. She would rather clean the neighbors' horse stables than clean her room, and was able to show horses at the Rock County Fair, placing first in some events. Hailey was proud to say that she was not a "girlie girl." She loved to go four-wheeling and if she didn't get muddy, she didn't have fun. She had a love for animals, children and the countryside. One of her favorite country artists was Gretchen Wilson and her favorite song was "Redneck Woman."

Hailey's life was tragically cut short on the morning of December 13, 2005 at the age of 13, due to injuries she sustained in an automobile accident, as Hailey and her mom were going Christmas shopping. She became an organ and tissue donor. Her liver and kidney were transplanted into Wisconsin residents and her heart is now beating in a 19 year old in Michigan. Through her tissue donation, 72 lives were improved.

Hailey and her dad Jeff sang together all the time. Jeff has continued the tradition by singing in "Country Fair Idol" contests at local county fairs, all the while telling Hailey's story and promoting organ donation. "Our family was fortunate to be able to attend the 2010 NKF U.S. Transplant Games®," said Jeff. "What an experience to see how gracious organ recipients are and how humble organ donor families are."

In August 2007, Jeff's graduating class decided to host the Hailey Rath Memorial Event as part of their 30-year reunion. Funds raised were donated to the University of Wisconsin organ recovery organization to support organ donor awareness. The event continues on an annual basis and has raised more than $60,000.