Christian Shay Nelson

Organ, tissue and cornea donor

Age 19 – Lafayette, LA

Donated on 5/30/13

at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

Honored by Louisina Organ Procurement Agency

Christian Shay Nelson was born in 1994. Growing up, Christian made beautiful memories for those lucky enough to know him. He was a graduate of Lafayette High School and was attending South Louisiana Community College. Christian’s passions were singing, playing guitar, and the New Orleans Saints. Christian was a very giving person, and he registered as an organ donor the day he got his driver’s license.

At the young age of 19, Christian was in a workplace accident, where he suffered a massive brain injury. That day he became a hero by donating his organs, tissue and corneas. With his gift of life, Christian saved four people, including a small child, a teenager and two women. He also enhanced the lives of so many through his corneas and tissue donation.

Christian’s Story

Christian Shay Nelson was born April 20, 1994 and died May 30, 2013. In his brief time here, Christian sure did make beautiful memories for those of us lucky enough to know him. He was a graduate of Lafayette High School and was attending South Louisiana Community College. Christian’s passions were singing, playing guitar, and the New Orleans Saints. He cherished his role as the big brother, and his younger brother and sister idolized him. As parents, we couldn’t have been prouder of him. Christian was the one you could count on to put a smile on your face. He only wanted happiness for everyone, so it only seems fitting that he registered as an organ donor the day he got his driver’s license.

At the young age of 19, our “Bubba” was in a workplace accident where he suffered a massive brain injury. Unfortunately, surgery was unsuccessful and he gained his Heavenly Angel Wings and became a Hero.

Being an organ donor, Christian saved four lives. His heart went to a teenage male that had been waiting for a heart for 18 months with time running out. Christian’s right kidney and pancreas went to a female in her 30s. His liver went to a female in her 40s, and his left kidney went to a little boy. Not only did Christian save these 4 lives, but he enhanced the lives of so many! His corneas were donated, which gave sight to 2 people. Christian’s donation records also indicate the use of orthopedic tissues, vascular tissues, and the creation of 62 grafts. Christian is a hero, not only to those that benefited directly through his donations, but also by the example he set for us all. Because Christian gave life, life is his legacy!

We have started the Christian’s Legacy Foundation to create awareness of the importance of organ donation and to provide support to donor families. We are volunteers and supporters of LOPA. Our newest project is the Christian’s Legacy Scholarship, presented each semester to an organ donor family member.