feels

Most days as comic book or blog writers we are reporting on make-believe superheroes and all the great heroic deeds they so often do with their fantastic amazing superpowers with no fear and absolute courage. Then there are days when I get to write about the true heroes in life everyday life that honestly do make a difference. The ones with no real superpowers…other than only having the superpower of being a true hero at heart.

This morning I received a message from a very good longtime friend. The kind of message we all get in our normal everyday lives when rekindling that familiar candle of friendships. But this time it was not only simple pleasantries we share with one another. This time it was a sad tale, a tale of tragic loss, a tale of of heart warming spirit, a tale of true heroism from the most courageous person who ultimately gave up his heart to become the superhero he always wanted to be….

“My nephew passed away this week after a horrific motorcycle crash. He passed on the 26th but was kept on machines until the 28th because he was an organ donor. The 28th just happened to be National Superhero Day…

My Nephew believed he was a superhero from day 1! He literally wore his superman cape to the O.R. after death. He went on to save up to 9 other lives and helped who knows how many more. He is considered the ultimate donor because he was so healthy and well…… Super.

I don’t really know what I’m asking but you came to mind with all of your superhero connections Manny. Can you just let your followers know his story? It would be such an honor for other “heroes” to know how special he was:).

Brody Austin, Walworth, Wi. He was 19. He was super athletic and charismatic. He was an organ donor and because he was so athletic and healthy, he was able to donate everything possible… on Superheroes Day! The kid wore his cape pretty much from toddler to death. Feel free to use any photos I have recently posted as well. This means the world.

Thanks Manny!”

I honestly could not have written it better myself. We all think we know what a superhero is but to Brody Austin (19) of Walworth Wi., I can truly say that you young man are the biggest SUPERHERO I have ever known.

R.I.P. Brody

UPDATE:

“I am overwhelmed. We received a letter today from the gentleman who was blessed with Brody ‘s heart. He is so sorry for our loss as well as very grateful for B’s decision to be a donor. He went on about how fantastic he feels and how amazed the doctors are with his recovery. He then shared that Brody’s heart is so amazing (as we all know it is) that when he went in for his first heart cath after the transplant, (when the doctor measures the pressures and cardio output) they couldn’t believe how well he was doing. All the pressures were perfect. Not only that, the average person has a cardio output of 5.5, and doctors told him that Brody’s heart is twice as healthy and strong as the average person with a cardio output of almost 11!!!!. His numbers are off the charts and his doctor says he’s never in his career seen a better transplanted heart. He has the heart of a professional athlete.”

To quote Brody’s heart recipient… “They said it was a mans heart, I beg to differ, this was a ‘Super’ Mans heart.”

“Yes, yes it is. Missing him, so proud of my boy.” – Megs Maria (Brody’s Mother)

If you have read this article and would like to help out in the memory of Brody: donations can be made in the name of Brody Austin at Brody’s Gofundme account which benefits the UW Organ and Tissue Donor fund:

http://gofundme.com/BrodyAustinUWOTD