Tanner Denton

Type of Donation:          organs, tissue, and corneas

Age and Location:          Age 23 – Grand Junction, CO

Donation Date:             8/11/2016

Sponsor:                   Honored by Donor Alliance

TANNER’S STORY

Tanner Denton had a tremendously big heart. He was best known in his hometown of Grand Junction, CO as a baseball player, but that was just a small part of why he was loved by so many. He was one of the most loving people many had ever known. Tanner was a family man that enjoyed spending time with the ones he loved traveling, cheering on his favorite Colorado sports teams and going to concerts. He advocated and cared for the homeless and had a soft spot in his heart for animals. He danced to the beat of his own drum and had a true zest for life.

Tanner was just 23 when he passed away in a tragic accident in August 2016. As a passionate advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation, Tanner’s family knew he was a registered donor. Just a few months before his car accident, he had a conversation with his family letting them know he was a registered donor and making sure they were also all donors.

In the days and months that followed Tanner’s death, his legacy of helping others continued through organ, eye and tissue donation. He helped save the lives of two people through kidney donation. Tanner’s corneas also helped a woman in Ireland restore her sight and enabled another young man to play baseball again after receiving some of Tanner’s tissue.

To Tanner’s family, knowing how much he’s helped others through his gifts of life has given them strength. Knowing Tanner is gone, but that he was still able to help and even save the lives of others was a bright spot through their darkest of days.

Tanner is remembered by his friends and family for his caring heart, passionate advocacy for the things he cared most about, his love and his laughter. In Tanner’s honor, and because organ, eye and tissue donation was so important to him, his mother, Allison Vogel, shares his story to continue spreading awareness of the importance of donation and transplantation. Allison and her family are thrilled that Tanner is being honored this year in a floragraph. Sponsored by Donor Alliance.