Young Oakland father gave the gift of life–his mother now honors his passion for literature through education initiative

Oakland, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2024) — Once Marcus Angelo Bryant learned to read, he read everything; literature from influential Black authors like Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X instilled in him a thirst for knowledge and passion for investing in others. In 2023, the father of three decided to further his education and registered for Laney College, ready to begin a new chapter of life after significant hardship.

In October 2023, before he could begin his studies, Marcus was hospitalized. He passed away shortly after, surrounded by his siblings, friends and family. Donor Network West facilitated the donation of his heart, kidneys, lungs and liver, which saved the lives of five individuals on the national organ transplant waiting list.

“Marcus was an amazing person, he touched the lives of so many people,” said Theresa Thompson, Marcus’ mother. “He was suave, personable, and loved to engage in conversation with just about anyone. He was the life of our family.”

In honor of her son’s legacy of giving and his love of reading, Theresa established We Theresa’s Kids, an organization aiming to nurture literary excellence in inner-city youth by teaching them to read, write, and understand poetry. Theresa holds an honors English degree and is pursuing her single-subject teaching credentials at San Francisco State University, embodying her son’s passion for learning.

“Marcus saved five lives through organ donation,” said Theresa. “And, through We Theresa’s Kids, he’s saving so many more lives by helping inner-city youth get to college.”

Marcus is one of many organ donor heroes who made the decision to give the gift of life to others. A single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and more than 10,000 people across Donor Network West’s service area are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation here.