by: Josh Taylor | ABC 7 Florida
TAMPA - Nearly three years ago, Alex Teehee of North Port was killed by a hit and run driver, and the tragedy and search for justice has consumed his family. Now for the first time, they say they have found some peace. Wednesday they met two of the six people who are the living recipients of his organs.
Dad, Mom, sisters, and sons wait anxiously to meet those who live on with a little piece of Alex. "It's a strange feeling. You can't really describe it," says Father Tabb.
They bring photos and stories of the 20-year-old killed on a dark Port Charlotte street in July of 2008. "I just thought they might want to see who gave them life," says Mom Carol.
In a case with many dark days without justice, this one seems bright, says Tabb. "It's just the only positive thing that could come from my son’s death -- the ability to help someone else have a better life."
With that, a stranger walks through the door…but a stranger not for long. An immediate bond is found as they share their stories.
"I was close to the end…very close to the end." Mike Childers is one of six people who received vital organs hours after Alex was pronounced dead. Alex's liver saved his life. "I was days away from dying."
It was an emotional swapping of tales. Little things like realizing Alex, his dad and Mike had been at the same Tampa Bay Bucs game years earlier on Christmas Eve. Big things too, like how they pray for each other and the impact Alex's gift has had. "I wanted to let them know how me and my family are appreciative that they raised such a responsible young man to become an organ donor at such a young age."
An experience which Alex's family says did a little something for their life, too. "To hear his story and know the loss of Alex has helped him and his family brings a little peace. Something that we haven't had," says older sister Jana Thompson.
With Alex's two young sons Kaden and Eli busy coloring at the end of table, one difficulty is hearing the details for the first time how all of it came to be -- a senseless murder. "Being the father of a 17-year-old, I can't imagine losing my son. It's a little overwhelming," says Childers.
The family also meets Jack Hunsinger, who received one of Alex's kidneys. They too share in the story of their journey. Perhaps a day of partial healing, but there is another day this family still awaits. "The last thing that I said to him is I promise Alex, I will spend the rest of my life finding who did this and making sure that they are held accountable. If it is the last thing that I do it will be done," says Thompson.
Lifelink is a not for profit foundation which currently helps match recipients and donors in Southwest Florida. They help set up Wednesday’s meeting. They say there are currently more than 111,000 people in the United States waiting for a match.
For more information, visit www.lifelinkfound.org.
Dad, Mom, sisters, and sons wait anxiously to meet those who live on with a little piece of Alex. "It's a strange feeling. You can't really describe it," says Father Tabb.
They bring photos and stories of the 20-year-old killed on a dark Port Charlotte street in July of 2008. "I just thought they might want to see who gave them life," says Mom Carol.
In a case with many dark days without justice, this one seems bright, says Tabb. "It's just the only positive thing that could come from my son’s death -- the ability to help someone else have a better life."
With that, a stranger walks through the door…but a stranger not for long. An immediate bond is found as they share their stories.
"I was close to the end…very close to the end." Mike Childers is one of six people who received vital organs hours after Alex was pronounced dead. Alex's liver saved his life. "I was days away from dying."
It was an emotional swapping of tales. Little things like realizing Alex, his dad and Mike had been at the same Tampa Bay Bucs game years earlier on Christmas Eve. Big things too, like how they pray for each other and the impact Alex's gift has had. "I wanted to let them know how me and my family are appreciative that they raised such a responsible young man to become an organ donor at such a young age."
An experience which Alex's family says did a little something for their life, too. "To hear his story and know the loss of Alex has helped him and his family brings a little peace. Something that we haven't had," says older sister Jana Thompson.
With Alex's two young sons Kaden and Eli busy coloring at the end of table, one difficulty is hearing the details for the first time how all of it came to be -- a senseless murder. "Being the father of a 17-year-old, I can't imagine losing my son. It's a little overwhelming," says Childers.
The family also meets Jack Hunsinger, who received one of Alex's kidneys. They too share in the story of their journey. Perhaps a day of partial healing, but there is another day this family still awaits. "The last thing that I said to him is I promise Alex, I will spend the rest of my life finding who did this and making sure that they are held accountable. If it is the last thing that I do it will be done," says Thompson.
Lifelink is a not for profit foundation which currently helps match recipients and donors in Southwest Florida. They help set up Wednesday’s meeting. They say there are currently more than 111,000 people in the United States waiting for a match.
For more information, visit www.lifelinkfound.org.
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