URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - Five-year-old Colton Deedrich loved life. Whether he was playing sports, cleaning, or hanging out with his family, Colton loved it all. When he died, his parents knew what he would have wanted to continue his legacy. 

"There are so many things that we admire about Colton," said Andrew Deedrich. "His love for people and the kindness he showed to everyone truly stands out. This is why, when we were faced with the decision to donate his organs, there was no doubt in our minds the only choice was to do exactly what Colton would do. He would give an organ donation."

On Christmas Eve 2025, Colton's organs flew across the country. His heart saved a toddler in Alabama. One kidney went to a woman in her 30s. The other kidney went to a man in his 30s. His liver saved a woman in her 60s. 

"This is not the story we imagined for Colton, but it's not the end of his story," said his mother, Erica Deedrich. "Those four people are left to carry on his legacy." 

The Deedrichs spoke to a crowd at Carle Hospital in Urbana to encourage them to become organ donors. They want other families to receive the gift of life that Colton was able to give to others. 

"Understand the impact your choice can have," Andrew Deedrich said. "It can save up to eight other lives so other families don't have to go through the grief and loss that you do." 

According to Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, over 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ donation. One more person is added to that list every 10 minutes. 

To learn more about organ donation, or to register as a donor, click here.

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