Ricardo “Rickey” Hurwitz

Type of Donation:          organs, tissue, and corneas

Age and Location:          Age 18 – Miami, FL

Donation Date:             7/22/2018

Sponsor:                   Honored by Legacy Donor Services Foundation

RICARDO’S STORY

Ricardo “Ricky” Moses Hurwitz was an active, loving young man, living life to the fullest for his 18 years. He had just graduated high school and was looking forward to becoming a nurse. He was gifted as an athlete, an artist, a dancer, and an animal whisperer. Ricky was fearless, talented, and loving. He was an old soul with a deep relationship with God. Ricky’s family said, “His greatest quality though was that he saw people’s soul, not their physical being and made this world a better place.” 

Everyone loved Ricky. His smile was incredible. He loved people and animals and had a passion for life, living every day as if it were his last. His brother explained, “Other people had lived 1000 years and hadn’t lived as much as Ricky”. 

Ricky’s mom recalled the horrific call no parent wants to receive on July 22,2018. She remembered picking up saying, “It’s 1:59 Ricky, what’s up?” It was the hospital. Ricky had been in a car accident. After waiting for 2 hours at the hospital, she was told, “His brain isn’t compatible with life”. She remembered a conversation with Ricky when he was renewing his license online.  Ricky asked her if he should be an organ donor. She replied, “Yes, I have always been one and if I don’t need them anymore, why not help someone who does.” He replied, “that’s exactly what I thought.” That simple conversation stood out and his mother knew then they had to fulfill his wish and save other families from going through the same loss. Ricky donated 7 organs to save the lives of 5 people ages 16-69. He improved the lives of 22 through tissue and cornea donation.

Ricky’s family appreciated the connections made with other donor families and recipients through Life Alliance and Legacy Donor Services Foundation. They provide support and comfort. They have become family as they helped Ricky’s entire family through the grieving process and helped honor their sweet Ricky and share their story of love.