Marissa Louise Tudor

Type of Donation:          organ, tissue and cornea donor

Age and Location:          Age 22 – Bowling Green, OH

Donation Date:                7/13/2018

Sponsor:                              Honored by Gift of Life Michigan

MARISSA’S STORY

Marissa Louise Tudor always had a passion to help others.  That passion led her down the path of a career in nursing. But in July 2018, one semester short of graduating, she lost her life because of unexpected consequences from what was supposed to have been a routine elective surgery.

Marissa, who was 22, donated six organs, both corneas and tissues for 132 grafts. But her generosity and desire to pay it forward did not stop there. As she lay in her hospital bed during what turned out to be her final days, she noted that the hospital-supplied hair brushes were insufficient for her thick, flowing hair. She vowed that when she got out, she would figure out a way to get better brushes for hospital patients – and since her death, thousands of top-notch brushes have been donated in her name to hospitals across the nation.

Marissa was able to brighten everyone’s day with her warm smile and ability to uplift everyone in the room. (How fitting that she will be on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float titled “Light in the Darkness”!)  Growing up, she excelled in school, raced motorcycles and played softball. Although only on this earth for 22 years, Marissa’s impact can still be felt. Marissa’s organ recipients (George, Florenda, Amy and Juanita) have life today because of her desire to donate. Marissa was always family-centric, and her best friend was her younger brother, Tyler. In life, she gave us all time, support, friendship and love. She knew the important things in life were relationships and she never missed an opportunity to say, “I love you.”