Jose’s family has believed in the impact of donation ever since his grandmother, Josefina, became a cornea donor over 20 years ago. When Jose passed in 2022, they saw the power of donation at work again.
At the age of 17, Alicia Guillen’s son, Jose Jr., was more than just a son. He was her greatest supporter and a devoted older brother. Many of Alicia’s happiest hours were spent with the family – and Jose Jr. – laughing and watching basketball and baseball games. “We were huge Mariners fans,” she says, smiling through tears.
But behind the laughter, Jose was suffering from depression. On September 21, 2022, Jose Jr. took his own life. In their immense grief, his family made a brave and selfless decision to allow him to become a donor. Even as his own time on earth ended, he gave life and health to others in need.
Alicia admits that though the grief and pain is unimaginable, Jose Jr.’s gifts of donation brought comfort for their family. “It’s a tragedy that no parent should have to endure. But helping others through my son’s donation brought a small ray of hope in such a difficult time. It gave me a sense of peace, knowing he could save lives even in his passing.”
Through Alicia’s grief, she carries forward Jose Jr.’s story as a call to action – for awareness about mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the power of organ donation. “As a mother, I want people to talk about these issues. Depression can happen to anyone. We have to stay vigilant and seek help.” And in her son’s memory, Alicia hopes to inspire others to talk openly about depression and to consider how, even in tragedy, we can choose to save and transform lives.
