A final good deed for Andrew Kennedy
A green stripe in Melissa Kennedy ’ s hair is one way that she starts conversations about organ donation .
When her son Andrew Kennedy , an organ donor , died from injuries in an allterrain vehicle accident , Melissa Kennedy connected on social media with mothers from around the world who had experienced loss . One of them donned green in her hair in support of organ donation and challenged others to do so . After the administration of the school where Kennedy teaches approved her hair coloring , she decided to keep it .
“ I see this as a way to support Andrew . Since this is what he wanted , I ’ ve embraced it ,” said Kennedy , who has gotten involved in the cause of promoting organ donation .
Andrew ’ s heart , lungs , kidney , liver and pancreas saved five people ’ s lives . His corneas gave sight to a sixth person .
Kennedy said that when her brother , an organ donor , died , Andrew expressed support for organ donation . “ He said , ‘ Why not ? I won ’ t need it ,’” she said . “ He was very straightforward and would give you anything he thought you needed .”
To people who are hesitant about registering to be organ donors , Kennedy said she thinks they need to understand what becomes of the donations and how they change lives . She encourages people by highlighting the Christ-like act of saving lives by giving of oneself .
Kennedy also emphasized that anyone can be a donor regardless of any conditions associated with their organs , as these organs can still serve as study subjects to find solutions to health issues .
To learn how to become an organ donor , visit lopa . org , and to read about Andrew on the site ’ s Hero Stories page , visit https :// www . lopa . org / hero-stories / andrewkennedy .
Andrew with dad , Brian Kennedy .