Miranda Araya

Type of Donation:       heart, kidneys, liver, lung and pancreas

Age and Location:      Age 16 – Northridge, CA

Date of Donation:           01/18/2018

Sponsor:                      Honored by OneLegacy

MIRANDA’S STORY

Miranda Araya was the ultimate free spirit, lover of life. She seized every day and truly lived it as if it were her last. She was the light of the family, a loving and kind soul. Every person she came across, she respected and made them feel seen, important, and valued, as if they mattered. She was friends with both young and old, including street vendors and the unhoused. Miranda always noticed the unseen, underserved, and underprivileged. She regularly helped the unhoused with food and supported her local street vendors. At school, everyone was her friend; her welcoming smile and warm heart made her a safe space for her friends.

In her short life, Miranda got to experience a life filled with fun adventures with friends. Her curious nature led her to explore many creative endeavors, from painting, photography, film, playing the guitar and keyboard, skateboarding, and developing a passion for music. She got to attend dozens of concerts and music festivals and loved exploring DTLA's museums and bookstores. When she wasn't busy with school and extracurricular activities, you would find her skating at skateparks throughout the San Fernando Valley and eating at her favorite local pho restaurant.

As with any typical 16-year-old, Miranda was eager to drive and had finally received her driver's permit. That faithful day at the DMV, Miranda told her mom that she wanted to become an organ donor. Her mom received this decision with hesitation and apprehension; she didn't fully understand what it meant to become an organ donor, so she told Miranda to wait until she was an adult. A few short months later, Miranda was in a tragic accident; she was hit by a car while riding her skateboard. She suffered a major brain injury and would never recover. Reminded by the conversation at the DMV with Miranda, her mom honored Miranda's decision to become an organ donor. Through her generous gift, she saved the lives of several individuals, including a 14-year-old in need of a heart transplant and a mother in need of a kidney.