Brandon family honors husband and father's organ donation on his passing anniversary

April 10 marks one year since Ramona Osterhoudt, and her 13-year old son, Gage, said their goodbyes to Calvin “Jay” Osterhoudt after a stroke took his life.  One year later, the Osterhoudt family will return to Brandon Hospital to share Jay’s story of helping others through his life and in his death. Join the Osterhoudt family, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital colleagues and LifeLink on Thursday, April 10 at 10:30 am at the flagpole on the southeast corner of Brandon Hospital at 119 Oakfield Drive in Brandon for this emotional story as the Osterhoudts encourage the public to join the organ donation registry.

Ramona and Jay were married on March 9, 2011. She says her husband had an unending love for his country and the world around him. He lived to serve others as a firefighter, Air Force veteran and Greater Tampa Bay Council Scout leader. She still remembers the day he became a registered organ donor. Ramona said Jay was his family’s hero in life and remained that hero in his death.

“Jay was a father figure that modeled how to get through challenges of life while never forgetting to have fun,” said Ramona. “He would be proud of how well our son, Gage, is doing. He’s getting closer to Eagle Scout each day, a promise he made his dad. And he would be proud that I am sharing his story and inspiring others to make the same decision to help others so selflessly as he did.”

Ramona will speak at this special remembrance ceremony alongside caregivers who took care of Jay during his final moments.  As part of the ceremony, the Osterhoudts and the hospital team will raise the Donate Life flag and release butterflies in Jay’s memory.

Media are invited and encouraged to attend the event.