David Andrew Van Gorder, Donor

He is a hero to many...

In August 2022, we said goodbye to David Andrew. On the evening of Sunday, July 31, Andrew suffered a severe asthma attack, which led to respiratory arrest. He remained on life support for 13 days fighting for his life. With the help of the wonderful doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona, and the Donor Network of Arizona, we advocated to get every test we could for him to see what quality of life he could potentially lead. Andrew told us what he wanted.

In 2016, our dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver failure. Soon after, his kidneys failed, and he needs a double transplant. While in the hospital, we learned Andrew had signed up to become an organ and tissue donor after our dad’s diagnosis. He knew an organ donation was necessary for his family’s survival and made the brave decision to register to help save others.

Andrew was kind-hearted and loved his family and friends deeply. He loved all kinds of animals, especially sea turtles. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the USC Trojans. During Andrew’s Honor Walk, we all wore Cowboys gear to pay tribute to his favorite team. He had the best laugh, but it was more like a giggle. He doted on his nieces and nephews. He was the best Buncle. He loved having his own family. He has been so happy in the last year building his life with his girlfriend, Brandy, and her son, their two dogs, cat, fish, frogs, shrimp… he loved animals.

We love Andrew so much and miss him already. He is not only our hero, but hero to the families he saved through his gift of donation and additional research. Please remember to hug your family tight. Know what you would want if you were ever in my brother’s position and share it with your family and friends.

Please consider registering to become an organ and tissue donor to save lives. Andrew has honored his commitment he made to gift life as we wishes will one day happen for our family.