10 years ago this month, Nick Pollino became a hero through organ and tissue donation. His mother, Debbie, who is a Donate Life Ambassador with LifeCenter, shared her reflections on his gifts:
“That one yes helped so many people, not just those who received organs but family and friends who have their “person” back. Knowing this helped me and those who loved him confirm he is a true hero. Nick could sometimes be hard on himself at where he was in his life. Learning about the many lives he touched makes me sad that he did not realize how important he was and his influence on others. He had accomplished so much but that final selfless act made him a hero to me and everyone who knew him.
Sharing his story … his gift of donation, his adventures, travel, kindness to friends, family, and strangers, is easy to share.
LifeCenter has been such a life saver for me because I have surrounded myself with others, like me, who have lost a loved one. They understand! We belong to a group that we never wanted to join but have a camaraderie as members. The comfort of those that have also lost someone and the LifeCenter staff’s support has empowered me to continue Nick’s legacy.”
How Debbie said she honors Nick:
“I constantly say Nick would have haunted me if I did not continue living life like I did before his passing. He would not be pleased with me had I stopped living a normal life. I call it my ‘new normal.’ I talk about Nick all the time, remembering what he liked and disliked, his joys and effortless way of looking at life. I feel blessed to have my family and friends talk about Nick as I do.
I celebrate his birthday, the anniversary of his passing, family dinners at his favorite restaurants, family dinners with his favorite food with family and friends. I continue to watch his favorite movies (even ones I do not care about). I support the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, and UK sports as he did.
I have traveled to and will continue to travel to Nick’s favorite places. Nick was a supporter of Kentucky and Tennessee state parks, national parks, and any place outdoors. Anything to do with nature he loved! I will travel to places he loved.”
