Teen’s family was grieving at her graduation — then two unexpected guests revealed the life-saving choice she had made before her death
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of suicide that can be distressing for some readers.
Loss of one's child can be heartbreaking, especially when the death comes unexpectedly. Michigan-based Emily Matejovitz was only 16 years old when she lost her battle with mental health. However, when her parents were grieving her death on what would have been her graduation, they were joined by unexpected guests who revealed their daughter's last act of kindness. According to a report from 13 On Your Side on June 6, 2026, the Matejovitz family found relief in the profound moment.
December 23 became a dark day when Matejovitz's dad found her unconscious in her bedroom. Her mom, Becky Smith, tried to perform CPR while her husband contacted the first responders. Unfortunately, she was declared brain dead. The couple decided to contact Gift of Life, Michigan, for organ donation, and were surprised at what they learned. Unbeknownst to them, the teen had already registered herself as a donor. So on her graduation, 16-year-old Landon Coleman and 4-year-old Ripley Ferrell, who had the young woman's heart and kidney, respectively, joined her family to honor her, according to Sunny Skyz.
As they were grieving their daughter's absence, the organ recipient families drove hours to be with them. Matejovitz's mom got the chance to place a stethoscope against Coleman's heart and couldn't stop crying. "Breathtaking, knowing that my baby's heart still beats," she said. Ferrell's dad, Justin, expressed his gratitude by saying, "Getting the kidney has fundamentally changed our lives." Organ donation helps one live on by giving another a second chance at life. In another story, a husband named Jesse was heartbroken after his wife, Kathleen Thorson, suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage during the birth of their fourth child. Unfortunately, she passed away a few days later.
The woman had decided to donate her organs to 12 different people, and it brought bittersweet hope into the family's life. Jesse said, "I'm glad my kids will know their mom for doing that. My 7-year-old told his first-grade class that his mom has 'helped people.'" The husband also revealed that she always wanted to donate her organs, and following her passing, her parents chose to respect her decision. Richard Stubbs, a family friend, started a GoFundMe in her honor to help the family with the medical expenses and funeral costs. The great cause, along with her inspiring story, helped them raise over $130,385.
If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
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