On loss and the gift of life
On Christmas Day 2017, a reckless driver crashed into Brianna Sulc’s car on a tight turn in Mathews County. Sulc, who had just turned 19, was driving to a family celebration. The wreck was devastating.
Brianna’s mother, Kristie Askew, and her family sat by her side in the hospital for days while doctors tried, unsuccessfully, to keep her alive.
The family learned that Brianna was an organ donor. Her commitment gave new life to a man suffering from liver failure and helped two other donor recipients. The Christmas season, once a blessing for the family, is now an emotional celebration of Brianna’s life.
“Brianna was, just, light in this world. Full of smiles, sunshine. She lit up the room everywhere she went,” Askew said. “I'm always mindful to take some time to celebrate Brianna for her birthday. But also remember her life and everything that happened that day.”
Our latest Virginia Voices shares the story of loss and new life.
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Christopher Tyree
Senior Director, Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO
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