Scott Santana, 17, was genuinely funny, generous and loved anything vintage. What set Scott apart was his desire to make everyone smile. In the days following the May 2011 car accident that look his life, hundreds of stories were told to his family of Scott's ability to bring sunshine to the darkest day. As a registered organ donor, Scott became a hero to six people. He also gave sight to two individuals, and donated tissue to countless others. Scott's family takes great pride in telling his story. "On the day we received the worst news of our lives, six other families were getting the best news of their lives."

Scott's Story

Scott Santana was an exceptional 17-year-old who lived every moment to the fullest. He was a good student, loved any kind of food, and being genuinely funny and generous, he was adored by his friends and family. Scott traveled to Australia when he was 13 and spent the next four years planning his next trip abroad. He saw that the world was so much bigger than his small town in California, or even the United States, and he wanted to make a difference in that world.

Scott also loved anything unique and vintage because he never wanted to be "one of the crowd." He proudly wore his letterman's sweater instead of a jacket, and he loved his 1973 Datsun 240z and 1969 Triumph Trophy motorcycle. He loved any sport with a ball that allowed him to tackle, and had a passion for rugby. Scott played with heart and determination despite being neither the fastest nor biggest player on the team. He became a team leader by showing up and practicing hard, making him a coach favorite by setting such a high standard for commitment.

What set Scott apart from his peers was his desire to make everyone smile. Scott saw no boundaries in his friendships and he had friends in every group. In the days following his accident hundreds of stories were told to his family of Scott's ability to bring sunshine to the darkest day.

On May 17, 2011, Scott was involved in a fatal car accident on his way home from school. "He wasn't speeding, texting, or talking on the phone," said his mother Deanna. "He just had an unexplainable accident and the Santana family was forever changed. In an instant, the bright, funny and charismatic Scott was gone, but we followed Scott's wishes as a registered organ donor, and he became a hero to six people." Scott also gave sight to two individuals and donated tissue to countless others.

His family takes great pride in telling Scott's story. "On the day we received the worst news of our lives, six other families were getting the best news of theirs."