 Brittany McCarthy didn’t think twice when checking the organ donation box on her driver’s license. Neither did Nicholas D’Amora when he received his non-driver’s license. Both became organ donors too soon: Brittany passed away after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm on Oct. 6, 2021, at the age of 21. Nicholas, a fierce advocate for those with non-verbal autism, passed away following an epileptic seizure on May 17, 2023, at the age of 25. Their parents shared their stories of heartbreak and hope as Borough President Vito Fossella held a press conference to honor those who have donated organs, as well as those who have received donor organs. He was joined by LiveOnNY President and CEO Leonard Achan. LiveOnNY is a nonprofit which facilities life-saving transplants. “The greatest gift you can give to someone else is life,” said Borough President . “So that is why we are here today to highlight the power of organ donation." Brittany McCarthy planned on becoming a physician’s assistant and graduated posthumously with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the College of Staten Island. She set her goals high with her twin sister, Ashley, always at her side. She saved three lives by donating her organs, including her eyes. “As sad as we are and the pain we are in without her, she is living on and seeing the world,” said her mother, Patricia McCarthy-Hillers. Nicholas D’Amora, who was nicknamed “The Changer,” co-founded CrimsonRise to support non-verbal autistic individuals with their communication skills. “I told him from a young age that I didn’t want his autism to define him,” said his mother, Barbara D'Amora. “I told him God had a purpose for him and he would make an impact on the world. He saved five lives -- and I am sure that is why he was put on this earth. I pray the person who received his heart lets me hear it because I want to hear it so badly."  Comments are closed.
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