Anthony Villahermosa

Type of Donation:          organ donor

Age and Location:          Age 32 – Los Angeles, CA

Donation Date:                7/18/2016

Sponsor:                              Honored by OneLegacy

ANTHONY’S STORY

Anthony Villahermosa was an extremely compassionate young man. His bare presence along with his bright, cheerful smile and friendly demeanor would light up any space. He loved working with kids and he loved football. He coached both of his sons’ football teams. The whole team admired him. He was courageous and always worked on building relationships with kids because he was taught, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.” He made it a point to make a difference.

His hobbies included playing basketball with his kids, brothers and friends. He loved sports and attending his sons’ games, listening to music, and had recently started recording his own music.

He will be remembered most for his willingness to help others. Anthony’s words were, “I am grateful that I am ABLE to help with the needs of someone else.” His objective was, of course, to provide and be a father to his three sons. He did that lovingly. He believed in the Lord and often said, “Whatever God’s plan will be, no matter what.”

In this tragic incident, at the young age of 32, Anthony was able to save other lives. His heart, kidneys, and lungs were donated. Those recipients have been forever grateful as they shared their stories in letters written to his mother. “What a difference people can make in this world,” he would say. We have the power to do so. So we did.

Anthony’s mom knows that he would be proud of his family. They have continued his legacy. Since his untimely death, they have continued to support the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, Donate Life Run/Walk, Blue and Green Day, etc. His mother has also become a OneLegacy Ambassador, to let others know how important “giving” and “living” really are.  Becoming an Ambassador has also helped her in her grieving process.

“I am grateful for One Legacy’s After Care Program. It has allowed me to be involved in community work that enables me to educate people about any misunderstandings about the process of becoming an organ donor,” says Gale.