Olivia Lauryn Didway

Organ and tissue donor

Age 17 – Republic, MO

Donated on 06/29/14

at Barnes Jewish Hospital

Honored by Mid-America Transplant

Olivia Lauryn Didway was seventeen years old and entering into her senior year in High School. She lived a life full of purpose and exuberance, and she was a faithful and kind friend. Those who knew her speak of her contagious laughter, sweet spirit, and vibrant personality. Olivia loved Audrey Hepburn movies, photography, and running. On June 27, 2014, a tragic vehicle accident took her life and forever changed the lives of everyone who knew and loved her.

Olivia’s compassion and willingness to help others continued even in her passing. Her decision at age sixteen to register as an organ and tissue donor blessed her recipients with the precious Gift of Life. Through organ donation, Olivia saved five lives: a teenage boy received her heart, two men in their 50’s received her kidneys, a 27-year-old man received her liver, and her lungs saved a 61 year old grandmother.

Olivia’s Story

Olivia Lauryn Didway was seventeen years old and entering into her senior year at Republic High School. She lived a life full of purpose and exuberance. Liv was genuine; a faithful friend, kindness radiated through her beautiful smile. Those who knew her speak of her contagious laughter, sweet spirit, and vibrant personality. Liv defined love and compassion beyond her years, always looking for the good in others and creating a positive influence for her peers. Olivia loved Audrey Hepburn movies, photography, running, and would sometimes exchange her Converse for hunting boots. On June 27, 2014, a tragic vehicle accident took the life of our extraordinary daughter and forever changed the lives of everyone who knew and loved her.

Olivia’s compassion and willingness to help others continued even in her passing. Her decision at age sixteen to register as an organ and tissue donor blessed her recipients with the precious Gift of Life. It also offered our family comfort through unfathomable grief, knowing that because of Liv, other families may not experience such heartache, while simultaneously keeping her loving spirit alive.

Through organ donation, Olivia saved five lives. Her kind heart now beats strongly for a teenage boy from Tennessee. The recipient of Olivia’s right kidney was a 55-year-old man; her left kidney was given to a 53-year-old father; a 27-year-old man received Olivia’s liver and the recipient of Liv’s lungs was a 61-year-old grandmother.

I believe Olivia is looking down from Heaven with a humble heart, honored that her story is inspiring thought and conversation on the Gift of Life. Countless individuals have been encouraged to sign up on the donor registry. We will never realize the number of lives impacted through Liv’s entirely selfless act. The commitment of Liv a Life of Love Foundation is to honor Olivia’s life by sharing her story while bringing awareness to organ and tissue donation. It is a mission birthed from the altruistic act of my beautiful seventeen year-old hero, who had no way of knowing that her selfless choice would become her greatest legacy.