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Organ Donor
Age 17 ~ Detroit, MI
Date of Donation: 2/11/07
William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak

Honored by National MOTTEP
through a grant from the
Donate Life Float Committee

Brandon Spight was destined to become a golfer. As a baby and toddler, his dad, Virgil, often took him to the driving range as he practiced his golf swings. Brandon watched attentively, because although right-handed, he actually golfed left-handed like his dad, who is right-handed but a left-handed golfer.

Brandon was an accomplished student-athlete, artist and community volunteer. He had a wide circle of friends and a magnetic personality. As a member of the school varsity golf team, Brandon was known for his golf swing and his competitiveness. He shared his talents by teaching the sport to younger kids through the Detroit Police Athletic League and tutoring children for his senior service.

In January 2007, 17-year-old Brandon started having headache and vomiting episodes. An MRI revealed bleeding in the brain. Doctors were unsure whether it was an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or something else, because Brandon was functioning relatively well. Surgery was discussed but would most likely result in some kind of deficit such as paralysis. Brandon said emphatically “no” to the surgery.

Brandon was admitted to the hospital on January 30 after suffering another bleed and exhibiting stroke-like symptoms. While in the hospital, it was determined that his illness was likely an AVM. Brandon's brain had become swollen to the point where there was no brain function. He passed away on February 11, 2007.

“Brandon actually made the decision to donate his organs, however unbeknownst to him,” said his mother, Constance. “It was approximately three years ago, while at the dinner table. I expressed my desire to donate my organs upon my death. At that time my husband was totally against it; however, Brandon agreed with me. As a result of our conversation that evening, Virgil and I were clear that Brandon would want us to donate his organs. From a very early age, he always felt it was his duty to come to someone's aid or assistance. Brandon was a giving person. This was his last gift.”