Robert Kelly
Organ Donor Hero
According to his mother, Lizetta, not many people knew Robert Kelly. Robert was a private person who deeply loved his family. Robert lived in Graham, Wash., and worked as a self-employed mechanic.
At the age of 35, in early 2024, Robert suffered a brain aneurysm and was rushed to MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. As his family gathered at the hospital, Lizetta realized that her son was not going to recover. She also discovered he was a registered organ donor — and had the potential to save lives.
“Everyone from our Tribal Council was there… 40 people showed up for his walk of honor at the hospital that day,” Lizetta said. “They sang and they drummed.”
Robert saved four lives through the donation of his heart, liver and both kidneys.
“Robert gave these four people a gift,” Lizetta said. “I know that there’s a woman out there, his heart recipient, who is now able to raise her children. I’m so proud to be his mom.”
Lizetta wants to share Robert’s story to make more people aware of the gift of organ donation. Robert is no longer here, but Lizetta and his family know he’s alive through the people he saved and healed.
“The story is that he still lives,” she said.
One person can save eight lives and heal dozens more as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Learn more about organ donation.
