Hello, and welcome. My name is Fiona, and I am Laura's mother. Losing a child is the deepest heartbreak a mother can endure, but I’ve found comfort and purpose in keeping Laura’s memory alive in the most meaningful ways. One of the ways I do this is through these painted rocks, placed all over the world to share her story and the incredible impact she made in her 19 short years—hoping that, when you find one, it inspires you to carry her kindness forward and consider the beautiful gift of organ donation.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Laura’s journey and the beautiful legacy she left behind.

♥ - - - - ♥ - - - - ♥ - - - -♥ Laura's Story ♥ - - - - ♥ - - - - ♥ - - - -♥

Laura Gage was just 19 years old and had finished her first year of college when she made a selfless decision—one that would change the lives of many. Home for summer break, she renewed her driver’s license after several unfortunate trips through the washing machine. That day, she asked her father and me to witness her signature, officially declaring her wish to become an organ donor. We were surprised that at such a young age, she was already thinking of ways to help others. But that was just who Laura was—kind, thoughtful, and always looking out for those in need.

Tragically, just weeks later, Laura’s wishes became a reality. 

On her way to work as a lifeguard, she was struck broadside by an 18-wheeler. Though she was immediately airlifted to the hospital and operated on, the swelling in her brain proved too severe. After a week in a coma, Laura passed away. Even in the midst of our heartbreak, we found comfort in knowing that Laura’s light and kindness would live on. Because of her selfless decision, eight people’s lives were saved and forever changed.

We were told that her first kidney went to a 29-year-old married woman with one child who worked as a medical assistant. She had been on dialysis for two years. 

Her second kidney was received by a 33-year-old single woman from Ravena, New York, who worked as a full-time press operator and had also been on dialysis for two years. 

Her pancreas was donated to a 35-year-old woman from South Carolina, while her liver gave new life to a 47-year-old married woman with four children from New York City. She had been on the transplant list for two years. 

Laura’s heart went to a 54-year-old married man with three daughters. He was an accountant and a graduate student at NYU, and now, thanks to Laura, he had more time with his family. 

One of her lungs was received by a 40-year-old married woman with three children. She was a financial officer for a housing authority and had been on the waiting list for 2 ½ years in the New England area.

Her corneas changed two lives—one went to a four-year-old girl from Russia who had been born with an eye disease that left her with no other hope but a transplant. She was flown to New York City, where her procedure was a complete success, giving her the gift of sight and a full life ahead. Her other cornea was donated to a young man in New York, restoring his vision as well.

Each recipient had immediate function of their transplanted organ, and they all went on to live full, happy lives—lives that Laura helped give back to them.

One recipient, the woman who received Laura’s liver, wrote to me and said that every single day, she thanks two people for her life—her mother and Laura.

Laura had been studying to become a teacher, with a deep love for children. To honor her passion, our family has dedicated ourselves to supporting the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), helping young children in need of life-saving organ transplants.

If you have found one of Laura’s rocks and it has brought you here, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my daughter’s story. It means the world to know that her light continues to shine through the kindness of strangers.

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Should you choose to become an organ donor, please share your wishes with your loved ones—it’s one of the greatest gifts you can ever give.

Visit  www.COTA.org to learn more about how you can help.

Laura’s love still travels far and wide, one little rock at a time.