National Donor Day on Feb. 14 is dedicated to raising awareness of organ, eye, and tissue donation and its impact on so many. For my family, the day is bittersweet. I think about my son, Logan Daily, and how his full-circle story inspires my purpose and so many others.
Logan’s smile could light up a room. His positive energy was infectious. With his 6-foot-3-inch height and broad shoulders, his hugs were like a blanket woven together with love and protection.
Logan had a generous, loving, and adventurous personality, most evident when he was outdoors. St. Lucie was both his home and his playground. He loved fishing trips, hunting, and feeling connected to wildlife and nature.
At 16 years old, Logan’s life changed when he received a cornea transplant that restored his sight after an injury to his left eye. That gift enabled him to return to the outdoor activities he loved and to move forward with greater independence.
Logan never forgot that someone else’s generosity made his future possible. His donor’s selfless decision to say “yes” and register as an organ donor ultimately returned Logan’s sight.
Then, we experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. In an instant, my world was shattered, and my life was changed forever.
Logan passed away in a car accident caused by a driver who failed to yield the right of way at a traffic light. At a young age, Logan had shared with me his decision to be an organ donor. In the midst of unimaginable grief, honoring his wish to be a donor was the easiest and most meaningful decision to make.
Logan’s decision to be a donor turned loss into hope for the 543 lives he changed and saved through tissue and eye donation. Among those gifts was Logan’s right cornea. Logan was able to restore someone else’s sight through the same gift that had restored his own sight.
The donation circle completed itself in a way I never expected. And it continues to bring our family comfort to know that Logan lives on in others every day.
After Logan’s passing, I found my purpose in sharing Logan’s story. I became an advocate for donor families, recipients, and the everyday heroes who say, “yes.”
I share his story in schools, communities, and public events, not because it’s easy, but because it matters. It has been so moving to speak with families who later told me, “We registered because of Logan.”
To honor Logan and other donors, I wrote a children’s book titled Donor Heroes Are Superheroes, which includes facts and activities to educate readers about the importance and impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Being a “Donor Hero” is simply choosing to help others.
I work to honor Logan’s legacy every day. He inspired me to become an author and lifelong advocate, and he inspires our community to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors in his honor.
National Donor Day, much like its twin, Valentine’s Day, is about love, generosity, and the power of one decision to last beyond a lifetime.
Logan’s love for the outdoors lives on in Florida’s waters and wildlife. His generosity lives on in the hundreds who see, heal, and live differently because of him. And every time someone says “yes” to registering as a donor, his powerful story lives on.
Logan didn’t get to choose how his story ended, but he chose how it would continue.
I ask you to do the same by taking a moment to visit DonateLifeFlorida.org. Learn what it really means to say “yes,” and register today.
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Trina Long is a Regional Program Manager with Legacy Donor Services Foundation and a passionate advocate for organ donation.
