Trev’s Legacy Lives On

Trev transitioned as a result of an automobile accident. Trev lived in the moment and made the most of every second of his 19 years, 3 months, and 29 days. Trev was born 6 weeks early and since the moment he was born, he has had an infinite energy. He questioned the status quo and challenged people to think outside of the box. Quick-witted, compassionate, funny, creative, gregarious, intuitive, outgoing, charming, adventurous, easily made friends, and had a magnetic personality and extraordinary tenacity. One of Trev’s mentors said he “glowed in the dark” and drew people to him with his natural charisma.

Trev enlisted in the Army and was passionate about serving his country. He was also very excited about qualifying for Airborne School. In preparing to depart for his Army training and given the risks associated with a possible deployment, Trev had an in-depth conversation with his mother should anything happen to him. It was a difficult conversation, but Trev was very clear with all of his wishes, including organ & tissue donation. We certainly did not anticipate having to honor his wishes less than a month later.

As much as our hearts are still broken, it does bring us a little peace knowing Trev shines on in so many others. We love our son so much and are so tremendously proud of him for making the decision to donate his organs, tissue, and bones to provide a better life for so many others. Trev’s recipients’ range in age from 18 to 67 and reside in 7 different states. Trev loved sports and we know he is smiling down knowing some of his gifts were used in sports medicine surgeries and spinal repairs.

Edith Wharton once wrote, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” We expanded Trev’s legacy even further by organizing a fundraiser for his 21st Birthday where $2021 was raised for Donate Life Wisconsin. We are also in the process of creating a memorial scholarship. This scholarship will bring greater awareness to organ donation as it will be awarded to a student who is either a transplant recipient/candidate, or a student who advocates for organ and tissue donation.