Urbana Organ Donation Event Honors Local Family's 5-Year-Old Donor

Carle and Gift of Hope highlight life-saving impact of donors during Donate Life awareness gathering.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph of a human heart, glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the life-saving power of organ donation.A heart transplant recipient shares his story of renewed life, while a family honors their young donor's legacy at a Donate Life awareness event.Urbana Today

A Tolono family shared the story of their 5-year-old son Colton's life and lasting impact as an organ donor during a Donate Life event at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. 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 of organ donation.

Why it matters

Organ donation is a critical issue, with over 100,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ in the U.S. Events like this one aim to raise awareness, educate the public, and inspire more people to register as organ donors and have discussions with their loved ones about their wishes.

The details

The Deedrich family shared how their son Colton, described as energetic, loving, and a sports enthusiast, passed away at age 5 but was able to save four lives through organ donation. They worked closely with the organ donation network, finding comfort in the process and the chance to say goodbye. Another speaker, Jim Branson of Philo, shared how a heart transplant saved his life in 2021 after his health rapidly declined. The event concluded with a flag-raising ceremony honoring donors and their families.

  • In 2025 alone, 35 organ donors at Carle saved 73 lives, while 84 tissue donors helped many more.
  • Branson received a heart transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 2021 after his health rapidly declined.

The players

Erica and Andrew Deedrich

The parents of 5-year-old Colton, who passed away but was able to save four lives through organ donation.

Colton Deedrich

The 5-year-old son of Erica and Andrew Deedrich, described as energetic, loving, and a sports enthusiast, who passed away but was able to save four lives through organ donation.

Jim Branson

A Philo resident who received a life-saving heart transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 2021 after his health rapidly declined.

Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network

The organ donation network that worked with the Deedrich family and helped facilitate Colton's organ donations.

Carle Foundation Hospital

The hospital that hosted the Donate Life event in partnership with Gift of Hope.

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What they’re saying

“He embraced everything and was the instigator of every wrestling match. He loved sports — basketball, baseball, and golf — and he was an avid Illini fan.”

— Erica and Andrew Deedrich, Parents of Colton Deedrich

“We never felt like we were just another family or just another donor. It was one more chance to say goodbye.”

— Erica and Andrew Deedrich, Parents of Colton Deedrich

“There was sadness, but also incredible joy at the same time. Everyone's life matters. This wasn't the end of his story.”

— Erica and Andrew Deedrich, Parents of Colton Deedrich

“I couldn't walk 30 feet without getting winded. I thought I was just dehydrated, but I ended up in the hospital, where my heart stopped three times.”

— Jim Branson, Heart transplant recipient

“Organ donation is the ultimate service to one's neighbor. 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.”

— Jim Branson, Heart transplant recipient

What’s next

The Deedrich family plans to continue sharing Colton's story to encourage more people to register as organ donors and have discussions with their loved ones about their wishes.

The takeaway

This event highlights the profound impact that organ donation can have, both for recipients and the families of donors. By sharing personal stories like Colton's, the Donate Life movement aims to inspire more people to consider registering as donors and having crucial conversations with their loved ones about end-of-life decisions.