logo
Twitter/CinthiaKtnv
Twitter/CinthiaKtnv

Nevada Hospital Staff's Honor Walk for Injured Teen Who Chose to Donate Organs

Aby Rivas
Jun 13, 2019
11:59 P.M.

The University Medical Center of Southern Nevada hosted its first-ever Honor Walk for Michael Sigler, a 17-year-old boy who was involved in a motorcycle accident just one week ahead of his high school graduation.

Advertisement

Dozens of doctors, staff, patients and family members lined the halls of the UMC in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 23 to join Michael Sigler on his final journey before entering the surgery room to donate nine of his organs and save nine lives.

A BITTERSWEET MOMENT

Footage of the emotional moment was shared on the hospital’s Facebook page, where they explained that “in tribute to Michael’s noble and selfless decision to be an organ donor, UMC hosted its first-ever Honor Walk.”

Advertisement

Before reaching their destination, the heart-wrenching video shows Michael’s father, Charles Sigler, wailing as he kisses his son goodbye and promises “I will see you again, baby. I promise.”

Then, the heartbroken father tells people surrounding his son:

“My baby boy made a decision to do this — a conscious decision to do this to share the gift of life with whoever is going to receive it. So please know we’re in the presence right now of an angel!”

Advertisement

“I will never be more grateful for anything than for having been blessed for being his father. I love you more than I could ever say.”

Michael’s mom, Courtney Kaplan, told PEOPLE of the honor walk that it was a bittersweet moment.

“It was absolutely overwhelming,” she recalled. “I looked up from my point of view, and all I could see on the horizon were people almost lining the gates of heaven… I couldn’t see the floor. I almost felt like we were floating — like we were gliding through this guided journey.”

Advertisement

MICHAEL’S DECISION

Michael had been living as an organ donor for only a few months. He decided it after his 18th birthday when he visited the Las Vegas DMV with Courtney to get his motorcycle driving license.

The teen had bought the motorcycle with his own money, as it was something he wished for years. While he was filling the paperwork for his license, Courtney recalls he didn’t hesitate when he reached the organ donor section.

“As kind and as generous as he was, that, to me, was a whole other level of being selfless, of generosity and being giving,” she said. “After that day, he was very engaged in the conversation.”

Advertisement

THE ACCIDENT

Only a few months later, Michael was driving his motorcycle around his community when he collided with a vehicle, which was driven by one of his fellow senior classmates.

Although Michael didn’t suffer any internal damage or extreme external injuries, doctors explained to his parents that he suffered an impact on the head that left him unconscious right away and eventually led to his brain death.

“I’m being told the initial impact was so hard, that he was knocked unconscious,” Kaplan said. “He didn’t suffer, not for a second, which brings a lot of peace.”

Advertisement

Courtney and Charles were faced with the harsh truth of never seeing their son wake up never again, so they took the painful decision to take him off life support and, as he wished, donate his organs.

KEEPING HER SON’S MEMORY ALIVE

Although Kaplan still doesn’t know who will receive Michael’s organs, she hopes to meet all of the people that will carry her son with them.

“I am eager to hear his heartbeat again, and I’m eager to hear the breath of life through his lungs again,” she explained. “They are now family in my eyes… We have nothing but love and honor for them to be able to help Mikey live on.”

Rest in peace, Michael.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
info

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.

Related posts

Boy, 8, Was Killed Holding His Dad's Hand While His Heartbroken Mom Ran over 1.3 Miles to See Him

December 06, 2023

What Happened to Robby Benson Who Hid His Heart Problem from His Colleagues in Fear of Hurting His Career?

January 29, 2024

Mom Tragically Dies after Giving Birth to 4th Baby, but Saves Numerous Lives after Passing

February 02, 2024

Jay Leno Looks 'Photoshopped' in New Sighting with a Car over $49,000, Months after His Accidents

December 07, 2023

Usher Will Not Be Paid for His Super Bowl Performance — Why Users Agree with This

February 13, 2024

Usher Will Not Be Paid for His Super Bowl Performance – What Happened

February 12, 2024

Michael Strahan Was by His Daughter's Bedside After Her Brain Tumor Diagnosis at 19: Details & Photos

January 12, 2024

4 Missing Teen Boys Found Dead — Girlfriend Writes Devastating Words to Her Late ‘Most Loving Boy'

November 24, 2023

This Woman Sacrificed an Organ for Her Famous Husband — He Cheated on Her & They Divorced after 17 Years Together

November 01, 2023

Michael Jackson’s Surrogate Son Blanket, 21, Looks ‘Handsome’ & ‘Exactly’ Like Dad, Fans Claim

November 20, 2023

Woman Loses Her Husband, Mother, and 8-Year-Old Son in One Tragic Moment – 'It's Unbearable'

February 05, 2024

Sisters, Aged 2 and 7, Lose Their Lives Days before Christmas despite Their Parents Desperately Trying to Save Them

December 28, 2023

Kelly Ripa Tries to Set Up 26-Year-Old Son with Sharon Stone despite almost 40-Year Age Gap

November 09, 2023

After Soldier’s Death, Mom Turns on His Phone & Sees Message from Unknown Caller: ‘I’m Pregnant’ — Story of the Day

February 16, 2024