2019 Garrett Patrick Thompson

Name:                                     Garrett Patrick Thompson

Type of Donation:             Organ donor

Age and Location:             Age 6 – Alexandria, LA

Donation Date:                   7/28/2007

Sponsor:                                Honored by Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency

GARRETT’S STORY

Blessed son, cherished grandson, beloved brother, nephew and cousin… Joy-bringer, life-giver…. Everyone’s hero!

After several years of waiting, the announcement of Garrett’s impending arrival delighted his entire family, most especially his parents, Patrick and Larabee Thompson. Garrett Patrick Thompson was born on October 4, 2000. As he grew, his sparkling blue eyes, darling dimples and sweet smile brought joy to everyone he met and helped him charm his way out of any mischief he may have found himself in.

Garrett was always on the go; he seemed to have a motor of his own! And that may have led to his love of fast cars. He loved to race his Hot Wheels cars and watch NASCAR. Garrett also loved to play ball and started playing baseball as soon as he was old enough. He was able to play one year of football and basketball and loved it all. His coaches praised his athleticism and he was always prized for his size. During Garrett’s last year of teeball, he was chosen for the Allstar team! His floragraph picture was taken on the day of the championship game.

In July of 2007, Garrett was playing with his younger brother, Avery. Garrett fell and had an injury that would lead to stroke-like symptoms. In the hospital, Garrett’s condition continued to decline to the point that all brain function ceased and he was declared brain dead. Hoping to have something good come out of this devastating loss, Garrett’s family fully embraced the life-giving opportunity of organ donation.

Garrett was able to save the lives of four young people through the donation and transplantation of his heart, kidneys and liver. His family has been blessed to meet his heart recipient, which has given them great comfort. Garrett’s gifts also gave his family a sense of purpose. Patrick, Larabee, Avery and even his littlest brother, Nathaniel, work to tell others about the importance of donation. Larabee works to help and support new donor families through her work with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA.)

Garrett would be a member of the graduating class of 2019, but instead of walking across the stage to receive a diploma, he is processing down Colorado Boulevard on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. His family is humbled and honored for Garrett to receive this recognition.