Gavin Raceles

Type of Donation:       organs

Age and Location:      Age 7 – San Diego, CA

Donation Date:           10/21/2019

Sponsor:                      Honored by Lifesharing

GAVIN’S STORY

What do you want to be when you grow up? Gavin Raceles knew at the age of seven. He told his mom, "I want to be the world's biggest superhero." This bold statement did not surprise his parents. Their sweet son had pure energy – like sunshine. He lit up a room. His laugh and dancing feet ruled the family's home in the San Diego suburbs. With a karaoke microphone in hand, Gavin loved to belt out tunes. You could find him reading or building an elaborate city with LEGOs in quieter moments. He looked forward to watching the Rose Parade on television every holiday season.







As an aspiring superhero, Gavin had no fear and loved to be active. But he was cautious, too. Gavin's dad says his son had a special aura that way. Gav would say, "Yeah, I got this. It's gonna be OK." As a baby, Gavin had some health issues, but the symptoms faded as he got older. Then, at the age of seven, his intestines suddenly became twisted, cutting off his blood supply and depriving his brain of oxygen. Despite the valiant efforts of first responders and hospital doctors, Gavin's life could not be saved. Gavin's parents knew the miracle they prayed for was not coming – but they knew they could give a miracle to someone else. Tawni and Chris Raceles made the heroic decision to donate their son's organs. They remembered what Gavin had said just a few weeks earlier: "I want to be the world's biggest superhero." Lifesharing coordinated Gavin's organ donation and found matching recipients for his heart, liver and kidneys. Gavin saved three lives: his heart now beats in a little girl, and his kidneys have given two women the freedom to live without constant dialysis treatments. One of the women also received Gavin's liver. Organ donation has given Gavin's parents hope on their darkest days. They are in touch with two recipients – both families proudly display Gavin's photo in their homes. To them, he will always be their biggest superhero.