SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Two families share a life altering bond; one lives in North Dakota, the other in Utah. One's tragedy became the other's miracle, and in an act of kindness, a mother is able to hear the beat of her son’s heart nearly a year after his death.
Mikey Fetzer was struck by a car and died last June. His mother, Bobbie Fetzer, says living without him hasn't been easy for his family. “It is very hard to get up every morning."
But the decision to donate his organs was made easy by the sweet seven year old. Mikey told his mom he wanted to be an organ donor after hearing about it at school.
"Mikey came home from school and said 'I want to donate my organs'. Little did we know, two weeks later, we would be making that decision. "
The accident, and that decision, was life changing for people coast to coast; including Mia Brickey, a 12-year-old from Salt Lake City who is alive because of Mikey's heart.
Bobbi says it brings her comfort. “I wake up knowing she is living and breathing, and that to me is amazing."
Months after Mikey's death Bobbi got a card from Mia’s family, thanking the Fetzers for giving the gift of life. It expressed wonder at the circumstances that brought the families together. “We don't know why our child was given this miracle."
A little later, another letter arrived. This one was from Mia. "There are no ways to express my thankfulness for Mikey's heart."
Then one afternoon, an email with an attachment popped up. It was one more letter; and in the attachment, there was a video of Mia’s ultrasound. Mikey's mom could hear, and see her son's beating heart. “It is so wonderful to have that he is still beating in her."
It was a small act of kindness from a Utah family that still struggles to find words to express how grateful they are. Tom Brickey says “I have always wanted this opportunity to talk about Mikey, because for six months I could not, because I would start crying."
Mia is happy and healthy. “I am very thankful for what they did, and I am feeling great and doing awesome."
She has a future because of a seven year old boy who told his mother he would do great things one day. "He was a giver; a real giver." Bobbi says it's a comfort knowing part of him is still there. “He and Mia are going to do great things together."
