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FEBRUARY 14 IS NOT ONLY VALENTINE’S DAY, BUT IT’S ALSO NATIONAL DONOR DAY! On that special day, everyone is encouraged to spread the love by saying “yes” to saving lives through organ donation and sharing their donation decision with loved ones.
Giving the gift of life is the ultimate act of love, and that is the legacy left by 9-year-old Mavin Hamilton.
Mavin wanted to be a superhero when he grew up. The Fostoria Intermediate Elementary School fourth grader enjoyed fishing—even earning the nickname “Catfish” because he would catch them with ease—science club, dancing, computer games, soldiers, wolves, playing outside, and riding his bike, and he was known for his sense of humor. “Mavin was a very happy boy. He was always smiling and always laughing,” Mavin’s mother, Leslie Kroetz, said. “He was hilarious. You could be having the worst day, but no matter how mad or upset you were, he would tell a joke and give his little grin and it would just warm you.”
Leslie couldn’t resist that little grin and Mavin’s “kindest eyes and sweetest smile” when he asked her for money for the school book fair. Instead of buying something for himself, he gave the money to one of his friends who did not have books or toys.
Wise-beyond-his-years Mavin had a generous spirit. “He was a very genuine, giving person who cared so much about other people, even at his young age,” Leslie said. “He would go out of his way for anybody and always put other people first. He was very thoughtful and always willing to help. He had a completely different outlook than most nine-year-olds. His heart showed through, and he was full of love and life.”
When Mavin’s good behavior earned him a gift certificate to the school store, he used it to buy a movie for his sister, Mazzy.
When Mazzy was a baby, she would squeal and snort when she was hungry, so Mavin nicknamed her Piggy. “Mavin was three and Mazzy was one, and they were eating bacon. He leaned across the table and said, ‘Do you know you’re eating your own kind?!’” Leslie said.
Leslie said Mavin was the “best big brother” to his sisters, Mazzy and Mylin. “Mavin was the man of our house. He helped me take out the trash and helped with housework,” Leslie said. “He would let Mazzy and Mylin sleep in his room when a thunderstorm or bad dream would scare them.”
But Leslie, Mazzy, and Mylin’s world stopped on November 17, 2012 when Mavin was struck by a drunk driver and passed away.
Even in his death, Mavin’s generosity continued. He saved four lives through organ donation. “To me, organ donation was the right choice. When faced with the decision, I honestly made the choice that Mavin would have made. Mavin would help anyone he could in life, and he left something behind so other people could be helped,” Leslie said. “That’s so fitting because that was Mavin. He would have been all for it and wouldn’t have given it a second thought. He would be proud to have known he was able to save four lives. Mavin was a giving person in both life and death.”
Leslie is extremely proud of her son’s selfless act. “I may have given Mavin life, but he was able to reach out and give life to four people,” Leslie said. “A little boy has Mavin’s heart, and every time he wakes up, he has a second chance at life. Mavin’s heart still beats today and knowing that brings me great comfort.”
Mazzy misses her brother—who was also her best friend—every day. “We were always there for each other even if we were the stereotypical brother and sister who would fight sometimes. I looked up to him and was his little annoying sidekick,” Mazzy said. “I wish he knew the impact he had on me. Mavin was an amazing person. I often find myself thinking of him and the memories we would be making today.”
In his nine years, Mavin made quite an impression on those who knew him, and he continues to inspire others. “Everything about Mavin was just awesome,” Leslie said. “He always wanted to be a superhero, and in giving the gift of life, he became one.”
Mavin’s family volunteers for Life Connection of Ohio, the non-profit organization that serves families and saves lives through organ donation. To learn more about organ donation or to say “yes” to saving lives, visit lifeconnection.org. Kara Steele is Director of Community Services for Life Connection of Ohio. ✲
