Cody Ray Gomez
Type of Donation: Organ donor
Age and Location: Age 15 – Harvey, LA
Donation Date: April 8, 2008
Sponsor: Honored by Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency
CODY’S STORY
Cody was our beautiful blue-eyed boy, the center of our world.
He was 15 years old, and full of life. He loved his family, friends, and especially the girls. Cody was very outgoing, not a shy boy at all. He loved baseball and hanging out with his friends.
On April 7, 2008 our entire world was changed by an accidental gun discharge. We lost our Cody. Our world was shattered when Cody was pronounced brain dead. My hopes and dreams, for his future suddenly ended, or so we thought.
LOPA informed us that Cody had the opportunity to give the gift of life.
Suddenly, it all made sense. My sweet Cody, who was full of life, would now give life to 5 others. There was no doubt in our minds that this is what Cody would want to do.
He asked me what the red heart on my license meant. I told him I was an organ donor. He immediately said, “When I start driving, I’m going to have a red heart too. I’m going to be an organ donor.”
Cody became a hero that day. I am in awe of him, knowing that his life would continue on, give life and hope to others, makes perfect sense.
I have met 2 of his recipients; the man who received his lungs, and the woman, Linda Wheeler, who received his heart.
Linda Wheeler would change my life forever. Linda is such a kindred spirit. There are no words to describe how it feels to meet the woman who carries your son’s heart. The comfort and pride that it brings cannot be described in words alone.
Cody Ray Gomez became my hero that day, and every day after. To know that my son lives on in others is priceless. I am one proud mother, to be able to share Cody with special people as Linda and others.
“Without the organ donor, there is no story, no hope, no transplant. But when there is an organ donor, life springs from death, sorrow turns to hope and a terrible loss becomes a gift.”-UNOS