Noah Michael Davis was a kind, healthy, and energetic six-year-old who hoped to be a police officer "so he could make sure everyone was safe." On June 29, 2012, he disappeared and was later found at the bottom of the family's swimming pool. He was declared brain dead several days later. When asked about organ donation, no one hesitated, as Noah's maternal grandmother had worked at the organ recovery agency for more than 26 years. His kidneys were large enough to go to two adults, and on August 27, 2012, Noah's seventh birthday, he was sworn-in as an honorary police officer and awarded the Medal of Valor for the lives he saved through organ donation.

Noah's Story

Noah Michael Davis was a healthy, vibrant six-year-old who loved to play cars and board games. He also loved music, books, bunnies and pretending with his big sister, Zoe. Beloved by everyone who knew him, Noah was kind, thoughtful, helpful, and genuinely caring.

"If you asked Noah what he wanted to be when he grew up, he would tell you he wanted to be a police officer so that he could 'make sure everyone was safe,'" said his mother, Sara. "Noah was empathetic, funny and an excellent budding artist. Although we won't be able to see his art in a famous gallery someday, we'll settle for seeing it at the Raytown school district art fair, where his lizard painting was displayed."

Despite three years of swimming lessons, Noah's fear of water never quite subsided. When he disappeared from the swimming pool area of his apartment complex on June 29, 2012, no one thought to look in the pool. Unfortunately, Noah was at the bottom. After heroic efforts to save him, he was declared brain dead on July 5.

When asked about organ donation, the family did not hesitate. Sara's mother had worked for the Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) for more than 26 years, and had passed away only six months before Noah. Sara recalled that speaking to MTN staff about ways in which Noah could help others was the only bright spot in the otherwise devastating reality of losing Noah.

"We learned that Noah's kidneys were large enough to go to two adults: a man with a wife and young son, and a grandmother who had been waiting for a match for more than two years," said Sara. "The thought that part of Noah continues on, allowing another people to live, is a gift that we are grateful for every day."

Noah's legacy of love and giving endures in many ways. On August 27, 2012, Noah's seventh birthday, he was sworn-in as an honorary police officer and awarded the Medal of Valor for the lives he saved through organ donation.

"It is comforting beyond words to know that, despite our sudden loss, there are two people enjoying a normal, healthy life because of Noah," Sara declared. "We were recently able to share contact information with the woman who received one of Noah's kidneys and look forward to meeting her and her family soon. Noah's big sister said it best: 'I can't wait to give her a big hug and tell her that she was and is our silver lining.'"