Zachary Daniel Sweitzer was the type of person who was willing to help anyone who needed it. He was an amazing son, wonderful big brother to his two sisters, loving boyfriend, devoted family member, loyal friend, avid hunter, talented athlete, volunteer firefighter and so much more. Zac lived every day to the fullest. He made the decision to be an organ donor at age 16, when he received his driver’s license. It was a decision that he made on his own.

On Thanksgiving morning 2008, 20-year-old Zac was involved in an automobile accident when he was hit by an underage DUI driver. Three days later, he died as a result of his injuries. Zac’s organs helped save the lives of six people and more lives have been enhanced by his tissue donations.

“When faced with the reality of his brain death, there was no doubt that we would honor Zac’s decision to be an organ donor,” said his mother, Missy. “He impacted so many lives while he was here with us and to know that he was able to continue impacting lives even after his passing became a blessing to our family.”

Missy went on to acknowledge that “Gift of Life Donor Program has been beside us since our donor journey began in 2008. In April 2009, Team Sweitz was formed and we participated in our first Donor Dash. We almost tripled our team goals of 25 participants and $5,000. We were excited to learn about Gift of Life’s venture to build the Family House, which provides temporary housing and supportive services to transplant families traveling to Philadelphia for their live-saving transplant treatments. A guest room in the Family House will be dedicated in Zac’s memory after two busloads of Team Sweitz members raised $25,000 in 2010. We share Zac’s organ donation story at any opportunity we are given and with anyone who will listen.”