Kerry Welsh

Type of Donation:       Organ, Eyes and Tissue

Age and Location:      18, Pomona Valley Medical Center

Donation Date:           May 30, 2021

Sponsor:                      OneLegacy

KERRY’S STORY

Kerry Breanna Welsh was a vivacious, energetic, goal-oriented young lady with a smile that lit up the room. She brought love, laughter, and joy to her family, friends, and acquaintances. Kerry was an outstanding student-athlete and an active member of her high school and community.



One of the unique ways Kerry spread kindness and light amongst her friends and family was by using her innovative talents to create handcrafted greeting cards on special occasions or to cheer them up when they were feeling down.



Kerry graduated from Glendora High School as a salutatorian with an overall GPA of 4.0 and a weighted GPA of 4.6. She played on the Varsity soccer team all four years. In her senior year, she was named Female Student-Athlete of the Year for the school and team MVP for the soccer team.



In addition to her scholastic and athletic achievements, Kerry was a member of the National Honor Society, Founder of the SAT/ACT Test Prep Club, Co-President of the City of Hope Cancer Awareness Club, and Junior Volunteer of the Year at Foothill Presbyterian Hospital. If that was not enough, she found the time to tutor friends and fellow students in math, English, and history.



Following High School, Kerry applied and was accepted to several prestigious colleges nationwide as a Biochemistry major with dreams of becoming an MD. She narrowed her decision to the honors programs at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and California Institute of Technology. She ultimately chose Loyola Marymount University because of its location. She started her first year at LMU while we were under COVID-19 restrictions, so all classes were virtual. Even under those difficult circumstances, she persevered, completed her first year at LMU with a 4.0 GPA, and received awards for her outstanding achievements. While keeping up with her studies at school, Kerry continued to give back by using her knowledge to tutor those in need.



Kerry received her driver's license at 17. At that time, she decided to check the box to have her organs donated in the event of her death. Unfortunately, while going to pick up her younger sister from a birthday party, her life was taken in a tragic motor vehicle collision at the young age of 18.



After we were notified of the accident, our family rushed to the hospital where Kerry was transported, so we could be with her. At that time, the doctors informed us she had passed away. Shortly after we were notified of Kerry's passing, a representative from OneLegacy approached us and asked if we would allow her organs to be donated. We said "yes" without a thought, because we knew how selfless Kerry was and that she would be more than willing to help others in need.



Even though Kerry was taken from her family at a very young age, she made a tremendous impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.