Aidan Hooper

Tissue donor

Age 8 – Edmond, OK

Donated on 7/4/13

at OU Medical Center

Honored by LifeShare of Oklahoma

Aidan Hooper had a way of creating adventure out of everything he did. He had a huge, loving heart and he was quick to share that love. He was always conscious of others’ feelings and was a best friend to everyone. Growing up, he learned to appreciate service men and women, and he learned to be kind to others. Aidan loved practicing taekwondo with his dad, and he took lessons to achieve a camo belt.

Combining his love for his country and Taekwondo, Aidan had the chance to ride on his Taekwondo school’s float as part of the LibertyFest parade in Edmond, Oklahoma. At the end of the parade, a tragic accident occurred and Aidan was unable to survive. His family was determined to find the good in such a heartbreaking moment, and they decided to donate Aidan’s tissue. Thanks to this gift, Aidan helped save the lives of a two-year-old girl and a six-month-old girl.

Aidan’s Story

Aidan Hooper, of Edmond, Okla., had a way of creating adventure out of everything he did. He had a huge, loving heart and was quick to share that love. He was always conscious of others’ feelings and was a best friend to everyone.

During Aidan’s first Catholic Mass at a family reunion, the priest announced it was time for “The Sign of Peace.” Aidan went all-in, by trying to offer peace and hugs to everyone in the room. Aidan was raised to love his country and be appreciative to service men and women, which he took to heart. One time, his family almost missed their flight because Aidan wanted to individually thank every service person that was coming off another plane. He was committed to Taekwondo. His father studied martial arts in Japan and it quickly became a special bond between the father and son. When Aidan achieved the rank of a camo belt, his family found it fitting for his love of the military and his outdoor nature.

Combining his love for his country and Taekwondo, Aidan had the opportunity to ride on his Taekwondo school’s float in the LibertyFest parade. The parade was a part of an Independence Day celebration in Edmond. His school was like a second family for him, so it was going to be a fun morning for Aidan and his father. At the end of the parade, a tragic accident occurred and Aidan was unable to survive. His family was determined to find the good in such a heartbreaking accident and initiated a conversation with his nurses about organ and tissue donation.

Even at the end of his short and precious life, Aidan was all-in with heart. He was able to give the gift of life by becoming a tissue donor, saving the lives of a two-year-old girl and a six-month-old girl.

The celebration of Adian’s life now comes full circle as he is featured on the Donate Life Float.