Donor Hero: Lexy Bertrand

Lexy Bertrand was a courageous teenager who had dreams of becoming a nurse. Her selfless decision to become an organ donor healed the lives of three people.

April Burge Bertrand describes her daughter, Alexandria “Lexy” Bertrand, as a “bright, shining light that lit up every room.” Her personality was magnetic — she was incredibly funny and had the most contagious laugh and smile that she loved to share with others to brighten their day. At just 16 years old, Lexy carried a level of empathy and selflessness that many people spend a lifetime developing. Whether it was standing up against bullies or befriending the underdog, Lexy’s commitment to helping others has defined her heroic legacy.

One of the most memorable conversations April remembers having with Lexy was when Lexy considered registering as an organ donor when applying for her driver’s license. At the time, Lexy had recently donated blood alongside her high school nursing class. She felt so proud knowing that she could help or save lives through her blood donation, and she wanted to extend her impact further by registering to become an organ donor.

“As a mom, it was a scary thing to hear my child speak of donating her organs,” April says. “But also a very proud moment because at just a mere 16 years old, she was able to think beyond herself and think of others and wanted to impact the world around her as much as she could by helping save their life.”

On Feb. 7th, 2014, Lexy and April were on their way home from Walmart when their vehicle was rear-ended by an impaired driver, resulting in the loss of Lexy’s life. The accident occurred just a few months after Lexy received her driver’s license.

Since Lexy was a registered organ donor, April didn’t hesitate to honor her wish of saving lives through the gift of donation. Lexy was able to donate her heart, both kidneys, and her liver.

“Her heart was gifted to a woman named Lee, who I had the honor of receiving a letter from,” she says. “Her liver and one kidney went to one person, and her other kidney went to a child.”

Amid grief and loss, April found solace in knowing that Lexy’s final act of generosity helped provide hope for others by giving them a second chance at life.

“It’s such a beautiful story to see it fully rounded from start to finish,” she says. “The side of Lexy that had to pass away for the organ to be transferred, and then the beautiful other side of her organ living on in someone else.”

April is a proud donor mom who continues to share Lexy’s heroic story to inspire others to register their decision to donate.

“Lexy’s life continues to live on through her selfless act of organ donation,” she says.

Watch Lexy’s full story HERE.