Tina Kathleen Brown

I am writing this as a heartbroken baby sister, but also as proudest sister one could ever be! My sister Tina was such an outstanding woman! She always knew how to make someone smile when they needed it the most. She was constantly making jokes and being silly.

After high school she signed up with the US Army. She came home shortly after, pregnant. At the age of 19 she became a mother. She loved her daughter more than can even be put into words. Being a young mom did not hinder her one bit. She worked at a restaurant and would use her tips to buy food for the homeless. It is rare to see a single mom do such a thing. She was such a GREAT woman.

On August 10, 1991, while on her way home, she met her fate. She lost control of her car and crashed into a light pole. We do not know how long it took for EMS to respond, but once they did and she arrived at the hospital she was pronounced clinically brain dead. After numerous tests and prayers and wishes, my mother knew there was nothing else to be done. We had lost her. This is when the most important decision ever came. Tina always made it known that she wanted to be an organ donor, but the decision was still my mothers. She honored Tina's wishes and with the loss of her daughter was able to see the impact Tina could still make on others. That night Tina saved several lives and improved even more. That is what makes her a true HERO.

Tina left behind a 9 month old baby, adoring parents, 2 sisters, and more friends than most of us will have in our lifetimes. She will forever be missed but just knowing that she gave "The Gift of Life" seems to ease the pain a bit.