Michael-Gene Futch knew from the time he first received his driver's license that he wanted to be an organ donor. Unfortunately, his chance came too soon. On November 20, 2010, at only 19 years of age, Michael was in a fatal auto accident. With his last gift, he was able to save more than a half-dozen people through the donation of his organs, and aided the health and recuperation of countless others through tissue donation. Michael's family keeps his spirit alive by maintaining regular contact with all of his major organ recipients and carrying on his spirit through The Michael-Gene Kids Basketball Foundation, which provides meals, gifts and leagues for underprivileged children.

Michael-Gene's Story

Michael-Gene Robert Futch grew up loving many sports, zip lining, wakeboarding and fishing. But none of these compared to his passions for tae kwon do and basketball.

Tae kwon do taught Michael the meaning of passion at the ripe age of four. Michael's ultimate favorite was sparring, which he continued until he was 17. During his tae kwon do career, he participated in many national competitions and placed at two Jr. Olympics tournaments.

But even more than tae kwon do, Michael had an unwavering love for basketball. He was consumed by it; he ate, slept and breathed the game. Not only did Michael play on his middle and high school basketball teams, he also coached those school's basketball leagues every summer and played for the Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) in two cities.

"Michael's other passion was his family and people," said his sister, Stephanie Futch. "Whether he was talking to his family, friends or even strangers, he had a smile that warmed people's hearts and made them feel instantly comfortable. Because of this passion, Michael knew from the time he got his driver's license that he wanted to be an organ donor. He never thought twice about the chance to help others."

Unfortunately, Michael's chance came too soon. On November 20, 2010, 19-year-old Michael was in a fatal auto accident. By giving this last gift, Michael was able to save more than six people via organ donation and aided the health and recuperation of countless others through tissue donation.

Because Michael had so been so full of life, his family decided to honor him by creating a non-profit organization, The Michael-Gene Kids Basketball Foundation. This organization started by providing meals, gifts, and sponsoring basketball leagues for underprivileged children in his hometown of Melbourne, FL. With an immeasurable amount of support, and great success in its first two years, the foundation has expanded to surrounding towns, including Orlando.

Michael's family also keeps his spirit alive by maintaining regular contact with all of his major organ recipients. Knowing how family-oriented he was, his family and recipients pay his gift forward by accepting one another with open arms.