Team #BeLikeTyree upholds organ donor Tyree Jackson’s legacy of generosity

Santa Clara, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2024) — Tyree Jackson grew up in Santa Clara, California and worked at a local gymnastics gym living his passion: being a mentor to children. He experienced many challenges through life—from living with a learning disability and epilepsy to coming out as a gay man—yet he faced them all with a giving spirit and overall aptitude for goodness.

Tyree in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.

“He went through so much in his life, and always smiled through everything,” said Summer Eyo, Tyree’s mother. “It’s just who he was. I have so much pride and admiration for him.”

After losing his stepfather to a car accident in 2021, Tyree was spurred to action to become an organ donor at age 20. In 2022, Tyree passed away in a pedestrian accident just before Thanksgiving. Donor Network West facilitated the donation of his major organs, including his heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas, which saved the lives of four individuals awaiting life-saving transplants on the national organ transplant waiting list.

Tyree’s passion for helping others has lived on through all who loved him. In 2023, Summer rallied friends and family to honor her son by participating in the Annual Stride for Hope Run/Walk, and together, Team #BeLikeTyree raised the highest amount of any participating teams at over $8,000. In 2024, the team surpassed their previous record, raising nearly $13,000 to support those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

Team #BeLikeTyree at the 2024 Annual Stride for Hope Run/Walk.

“I’m very proud of Tyree for making that decision to become a donor,” said Summer. “It’s such an honor that Tyree has been able to give life to so many people.”

Tyree is one of many heroes whose decision to register as an organ donor resulted in giving others the gift of life. More than 10,000 people across Donor Network West’s service area are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation here.