A Daughter's Final Gift

Dawn's story and legacy has been so amazing that NBC did a story on her and it's beautiful.

Goosebumps

This story is one that will surely give you goosebumps, warm your heart, or make you cry...or do all three like he did for me. Dawn's memorial service was yesterday. It was a wonderful celebration of her life with a church filled with family, friends, and students that her life has touched.

They were able to use many of her vital organs to help save others lives. Dawn's kidneys have already found a recipient. Her pancreas is on its way for diabetic research. Her eyes will be stored until a recipient is found. Her skin will be used to make burnt victims look and feel better.

Before this tragedy every took place Dawn's dad was scheduled to have open heart surgery at the beginning of July. Dawn already booked her plane ticket to go up to Iowa to be with her dad. She was extremely close with her family. Her dad needs a new aortic valve and was waiting to hear if the donor's valve would fit. Well, Dawn's valve is a perfect fit! So now Dawn will be able to have a piece of her heart living in her dad's heart. Are you crying yet? What an amazing story and Dawn wouldn't have any other way to save her own father's life. How appropriate that after living a life of a dedicated teacher that she is still giving and thinking of others even in her death. Wow!

In memory of a dear friend

I can't believe that I'm even writing this post because it really doesn't seem real. My dear friend and co-worker Dawn Patino is up in heaven. Dawn is right across the hall from me at school. We eat lunch together everyday, work out after school, we're constantly in-and-out of each other's classrooms throughout the day. I know I must have completely annoyed her the past two years coming into teaching and knowing NOTHING about what I was doing and asking her a million questions. She never showed anything but compassion and help whenever I needed it.

At the end of the school year, we had our annual kickball tournament: 5th grade vs. teachers. We were all having a great time but Dawn pulled her Achilles tendon. She went to the hospital and had to have surgery later that day and was put in a full leg cast. We laughed about how crazy it was that she was in a full leg cast for the summer after a harmless kickball game. Friday night, Dawn had a blood clot to her lung (a possibility after a surgery) and had a heart attack. She was in the hospital when she went into cardiac arrest, but it took them over 30 minutes to revive her. The doctors and nurses said that four minutes without oxygen to the brain can be devastating. Her family drove in from Iowa and later found out that there was no brain activity after several tests. After trying every possible test, her family had to make the unbearable decision to take her off life support. They are donating her organs and how appropriate for Dawn who would help anyone and everyone to save lives.

Tomorrow is her memorial service and I just can't believe this is happening. I don't think it will really set in until next year when I don't see her in her classroom or have lunch with her everyday. This is just another reminder how fragile life is and to live each day like it's your last. I love you Dawn and I will miss you terribly. What an impact she's made on so many lives and students! She may have only been 34 but what an amazing and self-sacrificing life she lived!