Kim Norvell

The Des Moines Register

DES MOINES — Fifteen months after his death, Drew Lienemann's memory lives on through the 194 people who received his organs and tissues.

The Waukee, Iowa, teenager died by suicide in January 2016, but his decision to become an organ donor two years earlier saved the lives of two people who were on the verge of death, and helped many more who were sick or suffering.

"He impacted so many people in his short life, and has helped even more in his death," his father, Dan Lienemann, said Tuesday during a ceremony honoring Drew and other Iowa organ donors.

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Grafts from Drew's bones and connective tissues improved the lives of 181 people around the world, said his mother, Wanda Lienemann.

And Drew's skin assisted in nine breast reconstruction surgeries post-mastectomy.

"This is somewhat ironic, since one of Drew's more famous English papers in high school was entitled, 'How to pick up babes,'" said Wanda Lienemann.

"Little did he know just how big of a ladies' man he would become."

The 18-year-old from Waukee was remembered by his parents during an at-times lighthearted, and other times tearful, service hosted by Mercy Medical Center and the Iowa Donor Network.

Drew was a senior at Waukee High School when he died. He was an honor student who had been offered track scholarships from several colleges. He was the captain of the football team, played baseball and basketball, and was well-liked by his peers.

He had dedicated his life to God, his parents said.

"Drew was an exceptionally talented young man. It seemed like he could do almost anything," Dan Lienemann said.

The man who received one of Drew's kidneys was at Tuesday's ceremony, but wanted to remain anonymous. Wanda Lienemann read a letter written by the man, which said:

"I wanted to thank you for giving me an opportunity to continue living my life and to be around my family for more years to come. I no longer live life with negativity and frustration, but with hope and love. I am now able to continue forward with life and await for great things to come. Each day I smile more and feel better than before.

"My daughter, wife and I will be ever grateful for your care and compassion to give me a better life. Thank you, and God bless."

This is not the first time the Lienemanns have spoken about their son's suicide and his decision to become an organ donor. The couple held a press conference after his death to share his story in the hope that other parents would not find themselves in the same situation.

And it worked.

Dan Lienemann said a parent approached him and his wife at Drew's visitation to say his son decided not to attempt suicide after hearing them speak on TV.

"We will never fully understand the impulsive actions that led to Drew's death," Dan Lienemann said. "And we want to encourage anyone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide to reach out for help immediately. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength."

Not all organ donors are deceased, and one life does not have to be lost to save another. Tuesday's ceremony also honored living donors, who in 2015 represented one out of every five organ donations.

In September, Andrew Shivers donated his kidney to his uncle, Ronald Shivers. Ronald Shivers' kidneys were functioning at 13%, and he was at risk of kidney failure, he said Tuesday. When they found out their son wasn't a match, Ronald's wife posted on Facebook that he needed a kidney — and 104 people responded.

"The winner of that lottery was this guy right here," Ronald Shivers said as he placed his hand on his nephew's shoulder. "And thank goodness for him, and thank God for the love that he had.

"It's quite a gift."

There are more than 118,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, according to the Iowa Donor Network.

To become an organ donor, visit www.organdonor.gov/register, or sign up in person at the motor vehicle department.

How to get help

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Signs of a potential suicidal teen

Here are signs for parents and other adults to watch for:

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits.

• Withdrawal from friends, family and activities.

• Violent actions, rebellious behavior or running away.

• Drug and alcohol abuse.

• Unusual neglect of personal appearance.

• Significant personality change.

• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating or a decline in schoolwork.

• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions. Examples include stomachaches, headaches and fatigue.

• Loss of interest in fun activities.

• Shrugging off praise or rewards.

Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Follow Kim Norvell on Twitter: @KimNorvellDMR