URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — A Tolono family shared the story of their 5-year-old son’s life and lasting impact during a Donate Life event at Carle Foundation Hospital, aimed at raising awareness about organ donation.

The event, held in partnership with Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, honored donors and recipients while encouraging others to learn more about the life-saving process. In 2025 alone, 35 organ donors at Carle saved 73 lives, while 84 tissue donors helped many more.

Erica and Andrew Deedrich spoke about their son, Colton, describing him as energetic, loving, and full of life. “He embraced everything and was the instigator of every wrestling match,” they said. “He loved sports — basketball, baseball, and golf — and he was an avid Illini fan.”

His mother added that Colton was “a mix of tough and hard-working, but loving and kind,” remembering his “overly aggressive hugs.”

After his passing, Colton’s donations helped save four lives. His parents said working with the organ donation network brought comfort during an unimaginable time. “We never felt like we were just another family or just another donor,” they said. “It was one more chance to say goodbye.”

They described watching a video of their son’s organs being transported to recipients — a moment filled with both grief and hope. “There was sadness, but also incredible joy at the same time,” they said. “Everyone’s life matters. This wasn’t the end of his story.”

Also speaking at the event was Jim Branson of Philo, who shared how a heart transplant saved his life. Branson, who was born at Carle, said his health rapidly declined in 2021 while on a cruise with his wife.

“I couldn’t walk 30 feet without getting winded,” he said. After several visits in the hospital, he recalls feeling lightheaded at home one night. “I thought I was just dehydrated, but I ended up in the hospital, where my heart stopped three times.”

Branson was later transferred to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where he was told he needed a heart transplant. Within two weeks, he received the call that a donor heart was available.

He said the experience left him grappling with how to express gratitude to a family grieving a loss. After sending a letter through the donation network, he eventually connected with the donor’s family.

“Organ donation is the ultimate service to one’s neighbor,” Branson said. “There are more than 100,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ. Gift of Hope wants us to do three things: educate ourselves, register to be an organ donor, and have that discussion with your loved ones.”

Following the program, attendees participated in a flag-raising ceremony outside the hospital, honoring donors and their families.

For the Deedrich family, sharing Colton’s story is about encouraging others to take action.

“He gave the gift of hope,” they said. “Four families got their Christmas wish — the gift of life — because of Colton.”