Jason Michael Dodds was a beloved brother, uncle and friend who passed away on June 2, 2005, at age 24. He was a fun, spirited, gracious, intelligent human being with a love of the ocean – the same color as his beautiful blue eyes that smiled with kindness and wisdom. He enjoyed all outdoor sports, nature, travel and movies, but for him, the love for family and friends always came first. When Jason's family was told about organ donation, they understood the legacy that he could leave behind and that they would be honoring his wishes.

Jason's Story

Jason "JJ" Michael Dodds was a beloved brother, uncle and wonderful friend. JJ had beautiful blue eyes which were the color of ocean water. His eyes smiled with kindness and wisdom that conveyed his genuine manner. Jason also possessed a wicked sense of humor, and a love of the ocean, surfing and sunsets on the water. He enjoyed all outdoor sports, nature, travel and movies. However, his love of family and friends always came first.

Jason was a student of life and he was still exploring and discovering what that life would look like. He was a fun, spirited, gracious, intelligent human being and is remembered not in how he passed, but for his gentle spirit and the legacy of love that he shared as an organ donor.

After Jason, 24, was declared brain dead on June 2, 2005, his family was told about organ donation and understood the legacy that he could leave behind. They knew they would honor his wishes. Jason's gift of life, in the form of his heart, kidneys, pancreas, and liver, saved and enhanced the lives of many.

Since his passing, his siblings, Josh, Alea, and Jaclyn, have dealt with this ongoing life- changing event with a spirit of hope, healing and renewal. His mother, Bernadette Cope, has become an Ambassador of Donate Life to share her son's legacy and to educate others in her community about the importance of donation.

"We share appreciation that collectively, in our darkest moment, we had the opportunity to say Yes to the 'Gift of Life.' It has cultivated a sense of peace, learning and acceptance about the events of life that we have no control over," said Bernadette. "Every family's and individual's story is personal, unique and heartfelt. Collectively sharing our stories and experiences weaves a tapestry of healing and joy in honoring our most precious gift: our loved one."