Catalina M. ("Cathy") Perez

Five years ago, donated the organs of her five-year-old son Louis Armani Silva. Cathy works actively in the Hispanic community to raise awareness of donation and honor her son.

Cathy's Story

On May 31, 1999 I was faced with every parent’s nightmare. I was contacted by my ex-sister-in-law about my five-year-old son. She said that he was involved in a car accident. At that point I was not aware how serious this was until I arrived at the hospital. My son had suffered head injuries and was unlikely to survive.

I was approached by SCOPC (now OneLegacy) regarding donating his organs. At first I was shocked and scared. I had never thought of this process. My son was a healthy five-year-old and, like all parents, I hoped that our kids bury us and not vice versa. They were so kind and understanding they explained the whole process to me and what it meant. They were there to support me in my time of grief. I felt I had made a new friend.

I thought about everything that was said and took into consideration that my son would have wanted. My son was kind and generous and I know he would have wanted it that way. My son is now my inspiration. He saved three lives. He has given three people a second chance of life to live, love and learn.

This whole experience has opened my eyes and changed my life completely. It has helped me appreciate life more and most of all it has helped my grieving process. I have been able to help spread the word on how important is to donate, and in doing so help keep the memory of my son alive.

Louis Armani Silva
Organ donor