On August 12, 2008, Mike Drozd was killed when his truck overturned due to mechanical failure. He was only 46. His wife Pamela knew he had signed up to be an organ donor, but donating organs was not possible due to the extent of his injuries. However, his tissues and bones were recovered and eventually healed 57 people. "Asking 'why not' became the theme of his story," Pam noted "Why not help someone with whatever they need? Why not donate life?"

Michael's Story

Mike Drozd saw beauty in everything. He embraced life and all it had to offer. He excelled in cooking, gardening, playing the bagpipes, learning, teaching, loving and giving.

"He made you feel as if you were the only one in the room, valuing the time you shared with him," said his wife, Pamela. "He truly listened. When asking questions, he demanded a response. When he asked, 'How are you?' he really wanted to know how you were. Meeting new people and engaging them in conversation brought him happiness."

Pamela had asked Mike "Why" over dinner one night when she learned he wanted to be an organ donor. His response: "Why not?" That answer became the theme of his life: Why not help anyone with whatever they need regardless of the situation?

This was evident in all aspects of his life, whether as a professional or as a volunteer firefighter," Pamela stated. "He'd see a need and fill it as best he could. Why not pick up a tarp and cover a leaky roof during a storm? Why not accompany a friend to a doctor? Why not shave your head to support kids with cancer? Mike always answered the call to help, asking for nothing in return."

On August 12, 2008, returning home after playing with his bagpipe band at a fundraiser for John McCain's presidential campaign, Mike, 46, was killed when his truck overturned due to mechanical failure. Although he wanted to be an organ donor, his injuries were too extensive to do so. He could donate his tissue and bone, however.

"In keeping with his willingness to share of himself, he has touched 57 strangers in need with a chance to enhance their lives," Pamela noted. "With Mike's infectious generosity, he had made the decision to donate life and pay it forward. He would have asked, 'Why not?'"

Losing Mike led Pamela to the NJ Sharing Network, the local organ and tissue recovery agency. "I realized the impact of sharing that Mike has on people," she said. "I honor him and celebrate his life each time I speak about sharing your wishes to be an organ and tissue donor with your loved ones. Why not donate life?"