2019 Ricky Joel Young

Name:                                     Ricky Joel Young

Type of Donation:             Organ and tissue donor

Age and Location:             Age 36 – Adona, AR

Donation Date:                   4/29/2012

Sponsor:                                Honored by Trenton’s Legacy

RICKY’S STORY

Ricky was my firstborn child so the two of us experienced many “firsts” together. Ricky loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed helping others and never missed an opportunity to do so. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, fast cars and working in the logging industry.

On April 29, 2012, Ricky was in a horrific accident. He was air lifted to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, where we were told that there was excess fluid on the brain and there was no hope. As for any parent, that was difficult to accept.  I did not know until that day that Ricky was a registered organ donor.

While Ricky was in the hospital, we were praying for a miracle.  It took a few days for me to realize that through his generosity, Ricky was providing a miracle to others.  It is a great comfort to know that part of Ricky lives on in the life of others.  I have received letters from some of the recipients of Ricky’s organs and each of them are very thankful for his gift of life.

After his death, many friends and loved ones shared stories about Ricky helping them in one form or another.  My son was giving in life and in death and I am so proud of Ricky.