Kristina's nursing classmates at California State University, Chico — Kayla Kriech and Katie Holzer — created an e-campaign through Donate Life California in her honor, encouraging others to register as organ and tissue donors.
On September 22, 2013, Kristina was struck by a drunk driver while cycling home from the library. She had just turned 21 and was in her third year as a nursing student. After more than 36 hours on life support, she was declared brain dead on September 24th.
Kristina had registered as an organ donor at age 16. That decision saved five lives:
- Two infants received portions of her liver
- A retired nurse received her heart
- A family friend received one of her kidneys
- Another recipient received her pancreas and remaining kidney
Kayla and Katie launched the campaign to honor Kristina's generosity and to encourage others to make the same choice she did — a choice that gave five people a second chance at life.
If you haven't registered as an organ and tissue donor, you can do so today at Donate Life California.