Kamden James Gabrick

Type of Donation:             Organ donor

Age and Location:             Age 3 – Cape Coral, FL

Donation Date:                  September 16, 2018

Sponsor:                               Honored by LifeLink of Florida

KAMDEN’S STORY

Kamden “Kam” James Gabrick was a beautiful three-year-old boy whose loving heart and infectious smile always found a way to bring people together. Kam was known for his hugs, kisses and lasting touches of affection by leaving “strawberries” on his loved ones’ hands. He lived with his mom and dad, Eileen and Jim, and puppy, “Daisy Bug.” Eileen remembers, “Whenever we would leave our friends or family, Kam made sure that everyone joined in a circle for what he called a group hug. His grandparents were his biggest supporters and loved nothing more than to spoil their precious grandson. He loved to be outside, whether playing on his swing set, in his sandbox or splashing around in the pool. Kamden’s favorite things included dinosaurs, sea animals, books, going to the beach, fishing and his stuffed animal “Stitch” (from the movie “Lilo and Stitch”) which followed him everywhere.

Kam’s life was tragically cut short following a choking accident in 2018. Eileen and Jim chose to donate their son’s organs in hopes that his beautiful light would continue on in others. Kamden saved two lives through the donation of both kidneys and his liver. According to his parents, “We find comfort in knowing Kamden’s organ donation had an impact, not only on his two organ recipients, but also brought organ donation awareness to us. In honor of the gift of life Kam gave, most of our friends and family are now registered organ donors too.”

Kamden’s last days were spent at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida. At the time, this Children’s Hospital was still newly built and did not have a flagpole of its own. As a result, Kam’s Donate Life flag raising ceremony at the time of his donation was done at the adjacent main hospital. Following the time of organ donation, his family – through donations from friends, family and other generous individuals –  was able to raise funds for a new flagpole at Golisano Children’s Hospital that was installed and dedicated in memory of Kamden in January 2019. The Gabrick family is now proud to know that other families at that hospital have the opportunity to honor their loved ones with Donate Life flag raising ceremonies during instances of organ donation.