Miguel “Mickey” Garcia

Type of Donation:          organs and tissue

Age and Location:          Age 19 – El Sobrante, CA

Donation Date:             11/01/2019

Sponsor:                   Honored by Donor Network West

MIGUEL’S STORY

Miguel Garcia, affectionally called “Mickey,” was born on March 4, 1993, in Fresno, CA. He was the second born, the middle child of three boys, a family of brothers who cared for and looked after one another.

At an early age, his mother, Lucy, observed delays in development; by age three, Mickey was clinically diagnosed with autism. However, he was never phased by the struggles he encountered. Mickey enjoyed snacking on his favorite foods, dancing with his mother, and watching Mickey Mouse. Mickey had a unique way of connecting to people with his kind, joyous smile.

Mickey’s interactions and communications differed from others, but he never felt any different because of the constant love and support his family provided. Mickey never developed his speech but was capable of non-verbal expression through hugs and smiles. Although some people considered him different, at his core, his heart was like any other heart and received an abundance of love.

Mickey’s family attempted to provide as much of a normal life as possible; however, fate would decide to make Mickey’s life one to be uniquely remembered. In November of 2020, Mickey arrived at the hospital suffering from cardiac arrest. After his diagnosis of brain death, Mickey became one of the less than 1% of individuals medically suited to become an organ donor. Mickey was not a registered organ donor, but his family immediately knew his generous spirit would love to help others.

Mickey donated his organs, tissue, and cornea. As a result, his heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs helped save the lives of four people. His tissue and cornea helped heal the lives of several more. “Mickey was my angel,” mother Lucy shares, “and now, after passing, he really is an angel that saved others.”