Valentine’s Day 2012 forever became a Day of Giving Hearts for the Fowler family. It was the day Anthony Fowler’s family made the decision to choose life for others in need of organ and tissue transplantation after he had passed away. Two days later, on 2.16.12, Anthony’s organs were recovered to save five people, and two more were soon to receive the gift of sight thanks to Anthony’s corneas.

Anthony was eleven when he died due to an accident while playing outside. He was all boy who loved baseball and gave great hugs. He left behind dozens of family and friends, including his parents and four siblings, who know he lives on in the people he saved, their memories and their actions. The Fowler’s started the Anthony Fowler Foundation in Anthony’s memory, which raises money to help families with children unexpectedly in the hospital for unknown amounts of time. Gretchen, Anthony’s mom, now works for LifeLink helping other families facing loss carry out their loved one’s wish to give the Gift of Life.

Anthony’s family, pictured at left in the last family portrait of Anthony's life, misses him every single day, and all year round they share his story. On Valentine’s Day, and through February 16th, they take it a little bit further and request people make a decision to become a donor, register their wishes on their state donor registry and encourage others to do the same in memory of Anthony.

Share your decision. Share your heart.