I am Taylor Petrillo, and I am 15 years old. I am from Arlington Heights, Illinois and I lost my brother Matt. His heart, lungs, left kidney and right kidney were donated. After learning about how important organ donation was to him, it soon became very important to me. I am currently going into my sophomore year of high school. In 8th grade, I organized an event to not only honor my brother Matt but all organ donors. At the assembly I shared my brother's story and mine. I talked to the school about the people and their families that his organs went to. Donate Life wrist bands and pins were handed out to every staff and student at the school. I also contacted Jessie White who is the Secretary of State in Illinois, and he came and spoke about organ donation. He is a big activist for organ donation. He brought the Jessie White Tumblers to the event to do flips and make the event more memorable. I had another event planned for my freshman year, but due to coronavirus it was canceled. I am working on planning this event for my sophomore year of high school, and I hope to continue this every year of high school. Organ donation has left a huge impact on my life and I hope I can help people get the organs they need. Whenever I spread awareness about organ donation, it makes me feel connected to my brother. It is my dream to work at Mid-America Transplant when I am older, and I want to make a positive impact on other's lives. If you search "Taylor Petrillo Green Out" on the internet, you can find more information, pictures and videos from the event.
