A tragedy for one family saves another’s life; Organ donor, recipient honored at WSU game

DAYTON — Saturday night the Wright State Raiders defeated the Robert Morris Colonials, but the win wasn’t the only thing being celebrated in the Nutter Center.

One man whose organs saved multiple lives, and another, whose life was saved by an organ donation were honored tonight.

In the first half, Hay’s family walked out on the court to be recognized.

Brandon Hays is a two-time kidney transplant recipient and joined the university’s staff as an associate athletic director last year.

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He has a rare condition called IgA Nephropathy which affects his kidneys.

“I think I’m literally one in a million,” Hays told News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott.

His first donation came from his dad giving him one of his, but the second donation came from a deceased 16-year-old he never met.

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“I was dependent on someone passing away which is a heavy thing,” he said.

Hays said he wrote a letter after he received the kidney and poured his soul out.

In the second half of the game, the family of Karll Williams was recognized.

Williams was 22-years- when he was shot and killed in 2014, but he saved lives by donating his organs.

“He was bright, extremely funny, and he was a basketball player,” Williams’ mother Karla Powell recalls through tears.

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Powell said she is proud of her son for giving the ultimate gift.

She said that he is still very present in her everyday life.

“You may see a lot of tears but I’m a very happy and honored mama right now,” she said.

Hays said while it is tragic a young man had to die in order for him to live, he will always be grateful for the life-saving donation.

“I owe it to him just to live a good life,” he said.

Five lives were able to be saved thanks to Williams’ donation.

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