Anthony Glico made a life-saving decision at just 16 years old when he checked the box at the DMV to become an organ donor. Eight years later, at 24, he passed away suddenly, but his choice saved and improved the lives of dozens of people. His mother, Priscilla St. Jean Glico, recalls his dreams of aerospace engineering and flying rockets, but instead, she received a devastating call in the middle of the night, rushing to the hospital only to say goodbye.
Despite her grief, Priscilla found comfort in knowing Anthony’s organs helped many others. His right kidney saved a young boy, his lung went to a man in his 50s, and his pancreas was donated to a woman in her 40s. His bone marrow helped between 50 and 100 patients, and most profoundly, his heart gave new life to Joe LaDuke, a man who had battled heart disease for years. Joe, once on the brink of death, now enjoys time with his wife, children, and grandchildren—milestones he never thought he’d see.
Priscilla later met Joe, embracing him and listening to her son’s heartbeat inside his chest. She says Anthony’s donation has helped her heal, knowing that his life and legacy continue through others. With National Donor Day on Friday and the five-year anniversary of Anthony’s passing on Saturday, Priscilla encourages everyone to consider signing up as an organ donor, giving the ultimate gift of life.
