Patrick Shillings' mother Rena described him as an '"old soul." He was a people person to whom others genuinely responded. Patrick was devoted to his family; his passion was taking care of his sister Morgan, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. At age 21, Patrick had been studying to be an EMT when he was brutally shot in a case of mistaken identity on Oct. 18, 2009. Rena had discussed organ donation with her children and knew Patrick would be in favor of donating his tissue. "The decision was easy to make because just as Pat was very helpful to others in life, he had discussed being a donor in death."

Patrick's Story

Rena Shillings described her 21-year old son, Patrick, as an "old soul." Although he loved music of all kinds, he particularly loved 60s singers such as Otis Redding. Patrick was a people person, one to whom others readily responded. Rena remembered a trip when 16-year old Patrick struck up an immediate friendship with the hotel manager and talked to him throughout the weekend.

He always looked out for his younger sister Morgan, and also took good care of his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. When she was in her late 80s, his great-grandmother went to her high school reunion, accompanied by 15-year-old Patrick as her date. She was the oldest person there, and he was the youngest.

At 21, Patrick was close to finishing his EMT program of studies. On a sunny Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, Patrick was out with some friends at noon. They were coming out of a store when suddenly they were mistaken for a different group that had been in a dispute immediately beforehand. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Patrick was brutally shot and killed. Despite the police department's offer of a $50,000 reward, the killer has yet to be identified.

Rena never shied away from serious discussions with her children. She knew Patrick's thoughts on tissue and organ donation and knew that he would want to be a donor. His organs were not suitable for donation but he was able to donate his tissue. "The decision was easy to make because just as Pat was very helpful to others in life, he had discussed being a donor in death."

Rena has participated in the Donate Life Run/Walk every year since Patrick's death. As she said, "My family, friends and colleagues have learned what a great organization this is and the value of being a donor."