Patrick Nunnelley was born with a tint of his mom's red hair and was never a big kid. It didn't take him long to realize he needed to develop his humorous side so he would not be picked on. He had recently decided that he wanted to become a firefighter, and was starting college in fall of 2010. On July 24, 2010 Patrick was helping a friend when his life was cut short. "The only solace I have is knowing the unselfish decision was made to give someone else a chance at life," said his mother Kim. "Truly that's what Patrick would've wanted."

Patrick's Story

From birth Patrick Nunnelley was not one to do anything small. Born with a tint of his mom's red hair, Patrick was never a big kid. When he played pee wee football he was given the nickname Spanky. It didn't take him long to realize that he needed to develop his humorous side so he would not be picked on in school. Patrick also had a heart of gold. He yearned for family get-togethers so that he could be surrounded by those he loved so much.

Life wasn't easy for Patrick growing up. He didn't have a male role model in his life as his parents divorced when he was young. Not having this male role model, Patrick felt it was his duty to be the protector of his sister and mother. His mom tried numerous times to convince him to just be a kid, but he was hardheaded.

This quality led him to make the decision in his younger years not to be a follower, but to be who he wanted to be. Once his mind was made up he was very passionate about things, including animals. His quest for knowledge pertaining to animals was astounding. When he was younger he had always wanted to be a zoologist.

Patrick had recently decided that he wanted to follow in his grandpa's footsteps and become a firefighter. He was to start college in the fall of 2010. On July 24, 2010 Patrick was helping a female friend when his life was cut short. "Although I struggle with the why's, the only solace I have is knowing the unselfish decision was made to give someone else a chance at life," said Patrick's mother Kim. "There was never a hesitation when I was approached about donation. Truly that's what Patrick would've wanted."

To learn more about Patrick and the college scholarship his family founded in his name, go to www.donatelifepatrickdid.com.