Leah Brown

At just 22 years old, Leah Brown was fearless, funny, charming and inspiring. She was on medical leave from basic training for the U.S. Navy when she was struck by a stray bullet that ended her life after a night out with a friend.

Leah’s mother, Gretchen Brown Carroll, is an emergency department nurse who — in the face of extreme tragedy and loss — advocated for her daughter to become a tissue and eye donor.

“Repairing bodily injuries and replacing sight is the ultimate gift,” Gretchen said.

Although Gretchen misses her daughter dearly, she is grateful knowing that Leah lives on in others.

“Giving Leah the ability to impact others’ lives in her death has been so valuable,” she said.