Kristen Michelle Joe began singing in her church choir as a child and played piano, violin and harp. After graduating high school at age 16, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. She loved her job as Community Affairs Coordinator with the Detroit Tigers, was extremely active in her community, and enjoyed shopping and traveling. In February 2012, while vacationing in the Virgin Islands, Kristen suffered a fatal asthma attack. Her family honored her wish to be a donor and looks forward to meeting Kristen's organ recipients to see firsthand how her life continues to help others.

Kristen's Story

Everyone knew Kristen Michelle Joe would do great things with her life, and fast. As soon as she could talk, Kristen began singing in the choir at New Bright Star Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, where she was baptized at age nine. In middle school, she was named Best Choir Member. She also took piano lessons for more than a decade and played both the violin and harp.

At Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Kristen continued her singing with the choir and was also a cheerleader. After being voted Most Likely to Receive a Grammy Award by her fellow students, Kristen graduated at age 16. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan.

Following a successful internship, Kristen was hired as the Community Affairs Coordinator with the Detroit Tigers. She loved her job and also supported the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Classical Roots Committee, The Arts League Emerging Leaders Council, My Town to Downtown, and often volunteered at Detroit homeless shelters.

Travel and shopping were her also passions. She was a virtual "fashionista" who enjoyed vacationing in France, Alaska, Hawaii, Jamaica, and several Caribbean Islands. It was during one of those vacations in St. Thomas that Kristen suffered a fatal asthma attack. She was only 28. After having discussed the idea of organ donation years prior with her mother, Kristen's brother also finalized the decision by stating, "Her organs won't do anyone any good in the ground."

Kristen continues to live on because of her organ, tissue and cornea donation. Her family looks forward to meeting Kristen's organ recipients to see firsthand how her life continues to help others.