Shawn Michael Carpenter

Type of Donation:             Organ and cornea donor

Age and Location:             Age 16 – Merritt Island, FL

Donation Date:                  September 3, 1990

Sponsor:                               Honored by OurLegacy

SHAWN’S STORY

Shawn Michael Carpenter was a typical teenager. At age 16, he was playing competition soccer, attending Merritt Island High School (MIHS), surfing at Cocoa Beach, and driving his parents’ 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix to his part-time job at Publix. He enjoyed going to the movies with his parents, spending time with friends and was an only child—but never lonely.

During the summers, from ages 10 to14, Shawn flew to New Jersey to vacation with the Hinkelmons, his mother’s side of the family.  At age 10, he was reassuring his mom it was OK to fly on a plane by himself.  He was a caring and loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin.

Shawn learned to water ski and roller skate before he was five years old.  He taught his friends to water ski and he loved to teach them how to roller skate backwards.  He was a good friend to his playmates, classmates and teammates.

In August 1990, Shawn began his junior year and looked forward to trying out for MIHS varsity soccer.  On September 2, 1990, he came in from the garage holding his head in severe pain and his parents called 911.  His condition rapidly deteriorated.  In the hospital, he had a catastrophic non-trauma intracerebral hemorrhage and within 24 hours progressed to brain death on September 3, 1990, Labor Day.

Shawn was a healthy teenager and his family had never discussed organ donation.  He had a driver’s license but no “organ donation” designation. His parents struggled with the decision to donate organs without knowing their son’s wishes. His parents saying “yes” to organ donation was lifesaving to those in need.  Donation was just a sliver of light in the darkness for parents saying a final goodbye to their only child.

As volunteers for OurLegacy for almost 30 years, Shawn’s parents have educated many families on the importance of designating their wishes as a registered organ and tissue donor.  His parents also share their important message—to have the first discussion about organ and tissue donation in everyday surroundings and definitely not in an ICU waiting room.  Shawn’s mother, Mary, and his father, Bill, believe the ripples of organ donation are endless and honor all donor heroes.

Today, Shawn’s legacy and gift of life continue to change the world. Honoring Shawn’s legacy has become his family’s legacy.