2017 Joshua David Schwabenbauer

JOSHUA DAVID SCHWABENBAUER

Organ, Tissue, and Bone Donor

Age 26 ~ Hollywood, FL

Donated on 9/7/2012

at Hollywood, FL

Honored by surgery.med.miami.edu/laora/

Joshua David Schwabenbauer accomplished and experienced more than many people do in their entire lives. Whether he was skydiving, or scuba diving, or running marathons, he always made sure to make the most of it. Joshua was born and raised in Lauderhill Florida, where he started his career with the city as a firefighter & paramedic. He worked for the fire department for five years before his passing. On September 7, 2012, four people received a second chance at life because of his gifts. Currently, over 200 people have been helped because of his tissue and bone donation. When the Schwabenbauer family meets a recipient, it makes them realize what Joshua and other donors have done, not only for the recipients, but their families as well.

Joshua’s Story

On Friday, December 13, 1985, a beautiful blue-eyed boy was born: Joshua David Schwabenbauer. He was the kind of person who could light up an entire room just by walking in. He could make you laugh, even on your worst day. He was compassionate, loving and giving to all he knew. He was a role model, best friend, and mentor to his sister, Dana, whose life is forever changed with his passing.  Josh was adventurous and loved to travel. Whether he was skydiving, or scuba diving, or running marathons, he always made sure to make the most of it.  In his short 26 years, he accomplished and experienced more than many people do in their entire life.

Joshua was born and raised in Lauderhill, Florida, where he started his career with the city as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He worked for the fire department for five years before being involved in a tragic off-duty accident that would ultimately take his life. Fortunately for others, he made the choice to become an organ donor years before. On September 7, 2012, four people received a second chance at life because of his gifts.  A 46-year-old male received his left kidney and a 62-year-old male received his right kidney. A young lady of 24 years old would be given the gift of Josh’s loving heart. Then there is Grace, a wonderful lady who at the age of 63 received her life saving gift, Joshua’s liver. We have been lucky enough to meet Grace and to get to know her family. Thank you, Grace, for keeping Joshua alive in you… and let’s not forget that currently over 200 people have been helped because of his tissue and bone donation.

Life Alliance continues to help his family. They keep his memory alive by allowing them to share his story.  The decision to become an organ donor can impact many lives. It’s such a simple question you’re asked at the DMV.  When the family meets a recipient, it makes them realize what Joshua and other donors have done, not only for the recipients, but their families as well.

Not a day goes by that their hearts don’t ache for the missing link, not only in the family, but with all his friends. They are proud of the results achieved through Joshua’s act of becoming an organ donor, for in his last hour, he gave a lifetime.

Loving you always and forever.

Sharon (Donor mom) Brad (Donor dad) and Dana (Donor sister)