Parents remember their son, and his life gifts

WALB | Ashton Pellom

LEE COUNTY, GA - 17 months ago today, 16-year-old Nick Pender of Lee County was hit by a car on Philema Road. He died eight days later, but he left behind a future for five recipients of his organs.

Donating his organs was a tough decision for his family, but they now know it was one of the most important decisions of their lives.

Gene and Michelle Pender remember their son Nick as a superstar. Nick was in the ROTC program at Lee County High School and enjoyed riding his skateboard.

But on November 12, 2010, the Penders' lives changed forever as he crossed Philema Road to get food.

"He decided to walk across the street to get a sandwich and while crossing the street, he was hit by a vehicle," said his dad, Gene Pender.

Nick was airlifted to a hospital in Macon where he died eight days later. Gene and Michelle were devastated.

Shortly after Nick's passing, the Penders received a call from a LifeLink representative want to know if the Penders would donate Nick's organs.

Gene and Michelle were hesitant, so they decide to let Nick's twin brother make the decision. "We finally asked his brother, 'What do you think Nick would do?' He said Nick would do it, so at that point we did and we're so happy now," said Pender.
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