Jorge Gonzaga
"Even in death Jorge continues to make a difference."
By Yolanda Gonzaga
Jorge David Gonzaga passed away at the young age of 20. He was an amicable and kind spirited man with a jovial personality and a big heart. Jorge was always willing to lend a helping hand and easily made friends and was adored by all who met him. He had the greatest sense of humor and the biggest smile that always made you forget your worries.
Jorge was a sports enthusiast and he had a great love for the outdoors and drawing. He loved playing baseball, basketball and of course, football. When Jorge was sixteen he met his mentor and science teacher, Dr. Ramsey who challenged him and a few of his classmates to run the Los Angeles Marathon. As expected Jorge took on the challenge. For months he would rise at four in the morning to do his training. He successfully completed the marathon and his dedication, persistence and commitment to both fitness and academic excellence was admired and respected by his peers. Jorge’s marathon pursuits were featured in the Los Angeles Times (dated March 1, 2002) and his accomplishments were recognized as a beacon of motivation for all youth.
Throughout his childhood and early teens Jorge always expressed a strong interest in one day becoming a policeman. He was an active student and cadet in the Police Academy Magnet Program at Dorsey High School. He joined the football team and made major contributions to the team's winning seasons. Jorge’s compassionate side came to light when he was in the 10th grade, when he told me, “I want to become an organ donor.” I did not take it seriously, I thought, like always, he was playfully kidding me. In the 11th grade during the school’s annual Red Cross Blood Drive, Jorge donated blood and when he arrived home, he said, “Mom, I already registered myself to donate my organs.”
On January 22, 2006, my life changed forever. He was admitted to the hospital fatally wounded. On January 27, 2006, the doctors declared him brain dead. It was then a nurse approached me, and talked to me about donating his organs. I remembered what Jorge had told me a year earlier. I found his California ID where I knew he had placed the “organ donor” sticker. I realized right then that I had to honor his wishes.
I agreed to donate his organs, allowing Jorge to make a valuable difference in the lives of others. By donating his organs and tissue, even in death Jorge continues to make a difference by giving hope and life to others. OneLegacy made all the arrangements necessary to fulfill the desire and wishes of my son. Since my eight-year-old niece, KayCee, was born, Jorge was her “big brother.” He took this nurturing role seriously and he would be so proud to know that KayCee carries on his values. Like Jorge, KayCee has become a “big sister” to Jorge’s children, and a very caring granddaughter to their grandma. KayCee is proud of her “big brother” Jorge. She keeps him in her prayers and knows that Jorge is now her “guardian angel”.
Jorge, you are my “Eternal Love”. When you were born, you made me the happiest woman in the world. Many times I said it to you. Jorge, my heart only knows pain for losing you but at the same time I am so proud of you – you of course know why. Jorge, you unselfishly gave the gift of life to others and hope to some. Because of your generousity and other priceless things you did while you were alive, you are a “hero”. I do not want to say goodbye to you but instead see you soon. It is a powerful message that donors like my son gives the rest of us. “A single donor makes the difference in the lives of many.” Let’s honor him all and all of the organ donors by following their example and make a commitment to donate our organs and/or tissue.
Now and always, with all my love, kisses, and blessings.
