Family Keeps Son’s Memory Alive this Thanksgiving through Blood Drive

A lot can change in seven years, but one York, PA family’s pride and peace in their son’s decision to be an organ donor has not wavered.  On Thanksgiving 2008, 20-year-old Zac Sweitzer was hit and killed by an underage drunk driver.  His parents received a call at 6:00 AM on the holiday with news that no parent ever wants to hear.

The Sweitzer family rushed to the hospital, waited and prayed.  After a surgery to alleviate the swelling of Zac’s brain was unsuccessful, doctors declared him brain-dead and shared the heartbreaking news with them.

“Zac was an athlete, a volunteer firefighter and a passionate farmer.” said his mother, Missy. “He was the type of person who people loved and was constantly on the go.”  Gift of Life Donor Program approached the Sweitzer family at the hospital to discuss Zac’s wishes. His parents had spoken with Zac about his choice to register as an organ and tissue donor.  “We knew that Zac wanted to be a donor.  His whole life, he always wanted to help people.  It made sense that even during such a horrible loss – he was still helping others.”

Zac was able to save the lives of six people through being an organ donor.  Today, the Sweitzer family is an enthusiastic advocate for organ and tissue donation.  They speak about their experience openly and discuss how Zac’s legacy of generosity is the one silver lining in a terrible tragedy.  “It helps me to share his story.” said Missy.  “Two years ago it hit me – we weren’t the only ones who got the call on Thanksgiving.  Six people and their families also got phone calls that saved their lives.  Knowing that Zac was a donor gives me hope.  I know he is living on through someone else and that gives me comfort and some peace.”

Since 2009, the Sweitzer family has honored Zac’s memory at an annual blood drive.  Since 2014 – when Zac’s beloved friend and fellow fire fighter, Rodney Miller, was also killed by a drunk driver – the blood drive has been held to remember both men. “Zac and Rodney lived every day to the fullest and both had a passion for serving people. Together they were hunting buddies, friends and firefighters at the Loganville Volunteer Fire Company. Rodney was the big brother that Zac never had.” said Missy.  

Missy said, “I am grateful at Thanksgiving – and every day – that Zac made the decision to be a donor.  That’s the only joy and good that has come out of this tragedy.  His legacy is about saving lives.”