Teddy Deterding was an athletic boy who loved playing sports, Matchbox cars, Xbox video games, music, and WWE wrestling. He was kind, a little shy and very funny. In the summer of 2000, Teddy was 11 and attended a program with his family given by the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. On the way home, his family discussed the importance of being donors and shared their decision to give the ultimate gift when their time came. Just three months later, on August 4, Teddy was in a fatal traffic accident. He donated the gift of life with his organs and corneas.

Teddy's Story

Teddy Deterding was an athletic boy who loved playing sports, Matchbox cars, Xbox video games, music, and watching WWE wrestling. He was kind, a little bit shy and very funny. "We could already see him melting many a young girls' heart with his gorgeous blue eyes and beautiful smile," said his mother, Robyn Deterding. "He was a loyal and true blue friend who would hug his little sister, Hannah, or hold my hand without hesitation. He was a natural at sharing and caring for others."

Early in the summer of 2000, Teddy, 11, and his family attended a program given by the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. "On the way home, our family discussed the importance of being a donor and shared our decision to give the ultimate gift when our time was over," reflected Robyn. "Little did we know that three months later, on August 4, Teddy would be in a fatal traffic accident and that we would be saying good-bye to our little boy.

"Teddy's decision to be an organ donor and ours to become advocates for the Gift of Hope truly changed our lives as we embarked on a journey that would touch thousands. We have cried tears of grief with other donor families, we have hugged and shared the joy with organ recipients and their families, and we have shared our story about Teddy's gift. We will not let our little boy be forgotten, and that day began a connection which would lift our hearts and bless us forever. And for that we will always remember and honor Teddy."