HOUSTON — A 3-year-old boy who died on July 3 after a drowning accident is saving lives by donating his organs.
Four people, including two children and two adults, were able to receive 3-year-old Mars Bedell's organs last week.
When someone is taken from the intensive care unit to donate their organs, family, friends and hospital staff line up for an "honor walk" to pay tribute.
Mars' honor walk was on July 7 at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake.
"Anything that had to do with being a superhero, he loved," said Mars' mother,. "He loved to dress up as a superhero every day. He always wanted to go out in his superhero gear."
Many of those in the honor walk wore capes and masks to give him a special sendoff.
"The only way that I could fathom to honor him was to make him a superhero is to allow life to be given," his mother said.
"He was able to live on through others," said LifeGift External Relations Vice President Lauren Quinn. "He helped save four people’s lives. He was able to donate his heart, his liver and both of his kidneys went to two separate patients."
"Today, we take the time to honor Mars Bedell. In this moment, we admire Mars' and his family's selfless decision to save others through the gift of organ donation. In the depths of grief, hope has been born. Each person has a unique story to tell, one that will surely not be forgotten. And Mars has a sweet story. He was a sweet boy, the sweetest boy you ever met, and he was loved by anyone who met him. He loved sports, Batman, Spiderman and most importantly, money. May the impact that Mars leaves behind be a constant reminder of love and hope. It is because of Mars and his family we are gathered here today and able to offer hope and life to others. A simple thank you will never be enough. If we can take a moment in this time together, in silence, to honor the life of this little superhero," hospital staff said at Mars' honor walk.