Teen who died from drug overdose helps 50 people through organ donation
A teenager who died from a tragic drug overdose has helped save the lives of 50 people by donating his organs.
Cody Souders from Easton, Pennsylvania, died from an accidental overdose of prescription pills back in October 2013.
The 18-year-old spent five days on life support before he was finally declared brain dead.
When doctors determined there was no hope left for the college freshmen, his family decided to honor his wish of becoming an organ donor.
Cody’s heart, liver and kidneys provided life saving transplants while his corneas restored sight and his skin helped burns victims.
Dozens of other tissues and body parts including bones, valves, veins and tendons assisted patients in need.
In total, the teenager helped save the lives of 50 people.
His mother Amy Souders said the fact that her son got to help so many other human beings was unbelievable.
“My boy is my hero,” she told CBS News.
"If there's a person that gets even another day with their child or their dad because of Cody's organs, it was well worth it to us, because we would do anything to get another day with him.”
His brother Justin added that he liked the idea that Cody was living on in other people.
The transplants were coordinated by the charity Gift of Life.
Every year since Cody's death, the Souders family has taken part in a three kilometre run and walk called the Donor Dash, to raise money and awareness for organ donation.
This year the family had an emotional meeting with transplant recipient Tom Burke, who was given a new lease on life when he received Cody’s liver.
Organ transplants in America are desperately important, with federal health official claiming that 21 people die every day waiting for a transplant. There are currently more than 123,000 people in need of an organ transplant in the US.
Meanwhile in Australia, around 1,500 people are on organ transplant waiting lists at any give time.
Last year, 378 organ donors helped save the lives of 1,117 Australians.
News break - May 7
