A Mother from Pioneer, Ohio has been sharing a powerful story of her faith and her son Kaleb. Kim Oxender is the Mother of Kaleb McLaughlin. Kaleb was a young man who was taken from this world to soon on June 24, 2013 after a car accident; Kaleb was just twenty years old. Kaleb was a familiar face in Pioneer, Ohio and he loved being a part of the FFA. He also loved being a part of the FFA National Conventions. He seemed to make an impression on everyone he met, that is just the kind of guy he was. Between his viewing and his funeral he had over a thousand friends and family come to say “until we meet again”.
Kaleb was an exceptional student. In 2011-12, during his senior year at North Central High School he was also working for Reifel Industries in the shipping and receiving department. Kaleb’s Mom said that Kaleb was raised in a family that believed in organ donation. There was never a question of whether or not he would donate; he just knew that was something he would do. If something happened to him, he would want to help someone else.. The day that Kaleb passed, many people were given gifts from Kaleb’s generosity of being an organ donor. One individual was able to see for the very first time, as they were given his eyes. Another person received heart valves from him. Over 200 people will be affected by Kaleb’s generosity. The family recently received a letter from a professional football player, because of Kaleb he was able to receive the tissue transplant he needed for his knee. This young man’s decision to make a selfless act has affected so many people, and that is something any Mother should be proud of.
Kaleb’s family knew how much he loved FFA. He and his cousin Cody Hulbert, even started a small cattle company. He was very proud of that achievement. In his honor, the family is raising money for FFA scholarships for those who would like the opportunity to go to the FFA convention. That was something Kaleb loved and was passionate about. The family knows that this is something Kaleb would be proud of them doing.
The need for organ donation is great. In the United States alone, there are more than 117,000 people that are currently in need of organ transplants. Each year, thousands of people die waiting for a transplant because no donor can be found. One thing that Kaleb’s Mother has done to help make more people aware of organ donation was personalizing her license plate. Her plate says KBOB which is what many people who knew Kaleb referred to him as. Hopefully when people see the plate, they will consider being an organ donor if they are not already one. Ms. Oxender finds some comfort knowing her son saved so many lives. . Kaleb made a sacrifice that has impacted so many people, he is still giving – even now.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an organ donor you can get more information and sign up on donaltelifeohio.org.
2 Comments
As a next door neighbor we watched KBob grow into such a fine young man. Such a sweet smile, I can see it yet. He was always willing to help this “old couple next door” if we needed. He was a special young man and our hearts go out to the family.
As a neighbor of both his grandparents and parents as well as a teacher, I saw Kaleb almost daily. He was a hardworking, fun loving, young man that was always willing to help out and give of his time. Kaleb loved tinkering and tools as much as FFA and his involvement. He was a great kid! We may think was taken from earth too soon, but obviously God had bigger plans. His gift of organ donation is beyond wonderful as is his parents and families pride. He blessed us all.