2016 Andrew Groth

ANDREW GROTH

Organ and Cornea Donor

Age 8 ~ Upland, CA

Donated on 09/04/2007

at Loma Linda

Honored by donateliferunwalk.org

Andrew was an exceptional eight-year-old. He touched many lives while he was alive by sharing the Lord and being phenomenal at every sport he played. Andrew loved basketball, baseball, and golf. When he wasn’t on a sports field, he was beating his dad and uncle in chess. He was such a good player that he could checkmate his opponent in just 4 moves with “Fool’s Mate”. Andrew lived a full life but he is greatly missed in the neighborhood by both adults and children alike. His family is proud to say that he’s touched even more lives in death through the donation of his corneas and a heart valve.

Andrew’s Story

Andrew was an exceptional 8 year old, who excelled at all sports that he played. Andrew’s father, Corey, taught him to play chess when he was 7. While playing with his dad, Andrew cornered and beat him. He also beat his uncle in four moves with a “Fool’s Mate.”

Even though he was the shortest and youngest on his team, Andrew played basketball with kids two and three years older. He looked small, but held his own, scoring two baskets in the last game of the season to help his team win.

Andrew also played baseball and golf. His brother, Trent, helped coach so Andrew had someone to practice with, since some of his teammates were afraid to catch with him because he threw so hard. At 5, Andrew won first place in a golf tournament against a 10 year old.

Andrew also had a relationship with the Lord. Months before he died, he told his mother several times that he was going to die before her. Andrew’s mother, Trina, said, “I thought he was crazy. What 8 year old talks about death?” Trina feels that, “the Lord gave him insight and he shared it with me.”

When approached about donation, Trina said her family’s decision was “of course we’ll donate.” In 2011, Andrew’s family started the team “Angel with Attitude” for the Donate Life Run/Walk to have Andrew’s family and close friends come together to honor him and promote Donate Life. Since then, Angel with Attitude has grown each year and continues to be a presence at the annual event.

Andrew touched many lives while he was alive. He is greatly missed in the neighborhood by adults and children alike. Andrew’s family is happy to know that he touched lives in his death by being a cornea and heart valve donor.

Trina said, “Andrew lived a full life in his eight short years. He lives on in our hearts forever. We are honored that he was able to donate and blessed to have known him. He was such a giving boy; he would be thrilled to know that he has helped somebody.”