MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Monday afternoon, a Mid-South family will honor their late son who’s saving lives through organ donation.
Tyler Spann will be honored with the Gift of Life Poster reveal celebration on Monday, August 5, at the Memphis DMV, at 5266 Summer Ave. Suite 75, at noon.
Tyler drowned when he was just 15 years old.
On Sunday, his parents not only advocated for water safety but also organ donation― something Tyler has done― saving 75 lives so far.
His parents sat down with Action News 5 and they shared why they want more people of color to donate on they call “gifts.”
“This amazing kid, he always was super special,” said Angela Spann, Tyler’s mother.
It’s been 6 years since Tyler died.
The tragic accident happened during a family vacation when they arrived at Panama City Beach.
“Less than 48 hours later he was later, he was caught in a rip tide and he drowned. At that moment we decided that he should be a donor; we were contacted just minutes after he passed away,” said Angela.
Angela said she knew her son, a star athlete in excellent shape, could save lives.
“It’s so important to me that we realize that we can help other people and it would cost us very little to do so,” said Angela.
Since 2018, Tyler’s “gifts” have helped save or improve the lives of 75 people.
His parents say thousands attended his funeral and some days can be difficult.
“Sometimes it’s kind of hard knowing that I’ll never know but when I think about how much good he’s done since he’s passed. How many people he’s helped how many different programs we’ve helped start to help other people― you know it makes me feel good,” said Kimmy Spann, Tyler’s father.
Tyler’s father says he hadn’t thought much about organ donation until he needed a ligament after an accident.
“You might have to have surgery and need a tendon. Well, that’s going to have to come from somewhere. So, something as small as a tendon or a ligament or something like that you know helps someone. Knowing that Tyler is helping people either in big ways or small ways, it does my heart good,” said Kimmy.
August is Minority Donor Awareness Month. Tyler was the first African American to be the face of the month.
Now the Spann’s are working to educate people and urge more communities of color, to join the organ donor list.
“Minorities such as African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics – we’re 80 percent of the people waiting to receive an organ, eye or tissue donation. However, we only make up about 40 percent of the registered donors and we can do better,” said Angela.
Tyler’s poster will hang here at the Shelby County DMV office off of Summer Avenue.
“God did not take Tyler to hurt us. God took Tyler to be with him and we are to share our story with other people that there is hope and that you, can know that your child is still helping people even when they’ve moved on,” said Angela.
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